- 2-minute read
- 3rd September 2023
Alright or All Right? | Spelling Tips
Are you feeling all right . . . or are you feeling alright? And is there a difference? All right and alright are two variations of the same term – an adverb or adjective that is used to convey satisfaction, agreement, or approval. All right or alright are often used as synonyms for okay or adequate.
While these two terms are often used interchangeably and mean the same thing, there’s some debate as to whether both are correct. In this post, we’ll discuss the difference between alright and all right, including which one you should use in formal writing.
What Do Alright and All Right Mean?
Alright and all right are both used to indicate that something is acceptable or in a positive state. For example:
It’s alright if you want to leave early.
It’s important to ensure that everything is all right before the event.
She said she’s feeling all right after the cold she had last week.
It’s also often used as a response to the question “How are you doing?” in place of fine or good. For example:
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I’ve had a rough few days, but I’m all right now.
Alright vs. All Right?
The choice between alright and all right depends on the level of formality you’re aiming for in your writing. In American English, all right is the traditional spelling and is generally preferred in formal contexts, while alright is a common variant used in casual or informal writing. In British English, all right is the standard spelling and is generally used in both informal and formal contexts, although alright has gained acceptance and become more prevalent over time.
What’s the key takeaway? While alright is becoming increasingly common and is generally widely accepted as an alternative to all right, the use of all right will always be all right.
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