The difference between alright and all right (grammar lesson)


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Alright is a nonstandard variant of 'all right'. Even though 'alright' is becoming more acceptable, it is best avoided.

Alright Not Widely Accepted

Many people use 'alright' unaware that it is not widely accepted as a word. It should be written 'all right'. However, the merger of 'all right' to 'alright' has been underway for over a century, and it is becoming more acceptable. Mergers such as 'altogether' and 'already' are fully acceptable. They are far older than 'alright'.

It's Not Right and It's Not Wrong

Interestingly, the Microsoft Word spellchecker will not highlight 'alright' as an error, but it will also not suggest 'alright' if you spell it incorrectly. Therefore, Microsoft are sitting on the fence with regard to 'alright' being accepted as standard.

Alright is Deemed More Modern by Some

Some would even argue that, through common usage, 'alright' is becoming more acceptable than 'all right'. The makers of TV show "It'll be alright on the night" are known to have considered "It'll be all right on the night", but opted for the former as a more modern version.

Screen shot from Word
(1) Does not show alright as an error.
(2) Does not offer alright as an option.

Well-known TV programme
"It'll Be Alright On The Night"

AVOID ALRIGHT AND ALL RIGHT

Your readers will have different opinions on the use of 'alright' and 'all right'. Therefore, avoid both versions - especially in formal writing. This should not be difficult as they do not lend themselves to formal writing.

All right (to reinforce an assertion)

It is overdue all right.
(Delete 'all right' or reword: It is substantially overdue.)

All right (an interjection that means 'very well' and normally at the start of a sentence)

All right, it is time to discuss...
(Delete 'all right' or reword: We agree that it is time to discuss...)

All right (meaning 'okay', 'in a satisfactory manner')

Her work ethic was all right.
(Reword: Her work ethic was satisfactory.)

USE ALL RIGHT IN FORMAL WRITING

If you cannot avoid 'all right' or 'alright', then opt for 'all right'. Using 'alright', especially in formal writing, runs a higher risk that your readers will view it as an error. It is far more difficult to justify 'alright' than 'all right'.

See also:

Common errors in writing
Easily confused words