Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Wednesday Writing Tips: All / Al

Writing tips from the EC editors

All / Al

All together:  Adverb. Used in reference to a group whose members acted or were acted upon collectively, and when "all" and "together" could be separated by other words; all at the same time.
Altogether:  Adverb. With all included or counted; entirely, completely, utterly; on the whole.

All ready: Adjective. Ready in every way.
Already:  Adjective.  Sooner than expected; previously, prior to a specified or implied time.

All right:  Adjective: Satisfactory or in satisfactory condition; in good health. Adverb: In a satifactory way; yes; without a doubt.
Alright: Adverb. Nonstandard: There is no such word as "alright" in correct English. At most and in appropriate situations, "alright" or "alrighty" might be used in slangy dialogue.

4 comments:

Erastes said...

Thank you thank you thank you.

You should also link to the Alot page, which is a hoot.

http://hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.co.uk/2010/04/alot-is-better-than-you-at-everything.html

Jenni Wiltz said...

Thank you for the setting the record straight with the "all right vs. alright" debate! Seeing "alright" in print makes me grind my teeth.

I always remind my students that "all right" is the opposite of "all wrong." There is no such word as "alwrong," so there is no such word as "alright."

ECPI Editors said...

Oh, good tip, Jenni! I'll remember that.

Raelene

ECPI Editors said...

Oh, good tip, Jenni! I'll remember that.

Raelene