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Alright vs All Right: Which is Correct?

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All right vs alright: which is it?

👍🏼Usage Note

The architect confirmed that the structural integrity of the building was all right after the tremors.

“Don’t worry about me, I’m totally alright,” she texted back.

The legal team ensured that the contract amendments were alright before presenting them to the client.

During the official press conference, the spokesperson stated that the situation was now alright.

How is the word-phrase all right/alright written, as one word or two?

What’s the difference between alright and all right?

The answer depends on the context in which you use the word/phrase.

The main difference is that all right is an adverb phrase, and alright is often used as an exclamation or exclamatory phrase, agreeing.  Both spellings mean the same thing, and are pronounced similarly, but alright is informal, whereas all right is technically correct. In doubt, especially in formal writing, stick to all right as two words.

Alright‘ is extremely common, especially in casual text messages and in-person conversation or speech. Alright appears in fiction writing, songwriting and blogs; so for these purposes, it’s accepted to use alright, alright? In short, in everyday language and text, alright is completely all right. If it’s formal or business writing, use the two-word phrase, all right.

Using the phrase all right in sentences

Sentences using all right
1. She assured me that everything would be all right in the end.

2. Is it all right if I borrow your pen for a moment?

3. Despite the storm, the house held up all right and sustained minimal damage.

4. I hope you’re feeling all right after your surgery.

5. The meal turned out all right, even though I improvised with the recipe.

6. Don’t worry, it’s perfectly all right if you need more time to finish the project.

7. The teacher said it was all right to ask questions during the lecture.

8. Are you sure you’re all right to drive? You seem a bit tired.

9. The party was a lot of fun, and everything went off without a hitch. It was all right by me.

10. It’s not the best solution, but it will do for now—it’s an all right option.

💡Study Tip

“alright” vs. “all right,” associate “all right” with formal situations (like contracts) and “alright” with informal ones (like texts).

Examples of alright in a sentence

Sentences using alright
1. Don’t worry, everything will be alright in the end.
2. Is it alright if I bring a friend to the party?
3. Despite the setback, the team performed alright during the match.
4. He didn’t feel completely alright after the long flight.
5. The concert was alright, but I expected more energy from the performers.
6. It’s alright if you don’t have the exact details now; you can provide them later.
7. She looked a little tired, but she assured us that she was feeling alright.
8. The cake turned out alright, even though I accidentally used salt instead of sugar.
9. The presentation went alright, though I stumbled over a few words.
10. The movie was just alright; it didn’t leave a strong impression on me.
2. Is it all right if I borrow your pen for a moment?

Synonyms of the exclamation all right or alright

  • fine
  • good
  • okay
  • right
  • yes
  • agreed

Synonyms of the adverb all right/alright

  • satisfactory
  • acceptable
  • adequately
  • good enough
  • fine
  • passably
  • ok

Origin of the word/phrase all right (alright)

From etymonline, all:

Old English eall “every, entire, the whole quantity of” (adj.), “fully, wholly, entirely” (adv.), from Proto-Germanic *alnaz …with no certain connection outside Germanic. As a noun, in Old English, “all that is, everything.”

From etymonline, right

Old English riht, of actions, “just, good, fair, in conformity with moral law; proper, fitting, according to standard; rightful, legitimate, lawful; correct in belief, orthodox;” of persons or their characters, “disposed to do what is good or just;” also literal, “straight, not bent; direct, being the shortest course; erect,” from Proto-Germanic rehtan (source also of Old Frisian riucht “right,” Old Saxon reht, Middle Dutch and Dutch recht, Old High German reht, German recht, Old Norse rettr, Gothic raihts), from PIE root Work Sheet

Question 1 of 10

According to the blog post, which form is generally considered appropriate for a formal context like a legal document or business report?



Which form is described as commonly accepted in informal communication like text messages or casual conversation?



In formal or technical contexts, the blog post states that using “alright” is considered:



If you are in doubt about which spelling to use, especially in formal writing, the blog post advises you to stick to:



According to the post, in everyday language and text messages, “alright” is described as:



The engineer checked the bridge structure and confirmed it was after the storm.



“Just got your text! Yeah, I’m feeling now, thanks!”



Is it if I reschedule our meeting to next Tuesday?



The company’s legal team needed to ensure the final contract was before signing.



“Don’t stress about it,” she said casually, “everything will be .”





Frequently Asked Questions

Is the word ‘alright’ correct?
+

Yes, ‘alright’ is widely accepted in informal communication such as text messages, casual talk, fiction, and blogs. While ‘all right’ is technically correct, ‘alright’ is common in everyday,.

When should I use ‘all right’?
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Use ‘all right’ in formal or technical situations, like legal documents, business writing, or official statements. The post emphasizes its correctness for formal contexts, suggesting ‘all right’.

What’s the difference?
+

Both spellings mean the same thing and sound alike. The key difference is formality: ‘all right’ is the technically correct form preferred for formal and business writing, while ‘alright’ is.

Is ‘alright’ formal?
+

No, ‘alright’ is considered too informal for technical, legal, or business writing, and inappropriate for formal public statements according to the post. In these contexts, you should use the.

Which one is technically correct?
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According to the post, ‘all right’ (two words) is the technically correct form. While ‘alright’ is widely used informally (like in texts), ‘all right’ is the standard for formal writing and.

Yash, D. "Alright vs All Right: Which is Correct?." Grammarflex, Jun 20, 2025, https://www.grammarflex.com/alright-vs-all-right-which-is-correct/.

Sources

  1. Harper, Douglas. “Etymology of all.” Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/word/all. Accessed 12 August 2023. Harper, Douglas. “Etymology of Right.” Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/word/Right. Accessed 12 August 2023.

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