play alright allright video
Commonly Confused

Alright vs. All Right

Is it all right to use both? Do they mean different things? Which one will make your English teacher smile?


Although the spelling alright has been in use for over 200 years, some critics have insisted alright is all wrong. Others maintain that alright and all right have distinct meanings and serve different purposes. Emily Brewster explains.

Up next

play alright allright video
Alright vs. All Right

 

Is 'alright' all right?

play video affect vs effect
Affect vs. Effect

 

Here's the lowdown on what may be the most confusing pair of words in the English language.

play ismo merriam webster tip
Some Odd Words with ISMO: "People Tipping"

 

Comedian ISMO on the complexities of the word 'tip'

play video healthy vs healthful
Healthy vs. Healthful

 

Why both words are equally good for you.

play illustrated notebook that says everyday vs every day
'Everyday' vs. 'Every Day'

 

A simple trick to keep them separate

play video who vs whom
Who vs. Whom

 

Good news for those who feel stuffy saying 'whom.'

play woman and dog illustration
'Nip it in the butt' or 'Nip it in the bud'?

 

We're gonna stop you right there