“In line” vs. “Inline”

Adjectives, Adverbs, Common English Blunders, Versus

I saw the wrong one used recently.

Problem:
“In line” and “inline” are not synonyms.

Explanation:
“In line” tells where and is an adverb: “Bob is in line to receive a raise.”
“Inline” tells what and is an adjective: “Bob enjoys inline skating.”

Solution:
Use “in line” when you want to indicate where something or someone is.
Use “inline” when you want to describe what something or someone is.

“He looks different.” vs. “He looks differently.”

Adjectives, Adverbs, Common English Blunders, Versus

I sometimes hear the wrong one spoken.

Problem:
“Different” and “differently” are not synonyms.

Explanation:
“Different” is an adjective. “Differently” is an adverb.

Solution:
Use “He looks different.” when you want to say that someone’s appearance has changed.
Use “He looks differently.” when you want to say that someone’s perspective has changed or that someone’s perspective is different than someone else’s perspective.

“Everyday – 10 AM to 9 PM”

Adjectives, Adverbs, Common English Blunders

I saw this on an Ikea sign.

Problem:
“Everyday” is an adjective, but an adverb is required here.

Explanation:
“Everyday” tells you what. For example, an “everyday event” is an event that occurs daily. In other words, “everyday” is an adjective; it modifies a noun (such as “event”). “Everyday” in this example tells you what kind of event it is. In contrast, “every day” tells you when. For example, “It happens every day.” The goal of the sign maker is to tell the reader when the store is open.

Solution:
“Every Day – 10 AM to 9 PM”