So the clear split between the two is not consistent throughout NAE, it seems. On that note, at least here "all right" and "alright" mean two different things, and while one might replace "alright" with "all right" in writing (as just a more traditional spelling), "all right" proper cannot be replaced by "alright" whatsoever, whether in writing or in speech.
All right
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>>"all right" proper cannot be replaced by "alright" whatsoever<<
It can, to indicate an affirmative, for example.
It can, to indicate an affirmative, for example.
I should have been clearer about what I meant. I meant that sentences like "they are all right" (as in all of them are correct) cannot be replaced by "they are alright" (as in they are okay), which in speech corresponds to a pronunciation difference here. "Alright" cannot be used as a mere spelling variant of "all right" here, as there are places such as that above where to change "all right" with "alright" would change the meaning.
I read both "all right" and "alright" quite routinely.
However, as Travis noted, "all right" can be used in all situations whereas "alright" can only be used in specific circumstances (as in "OK").
There often is a pronunciation difference between:
Those answers are all right (all correct)
and:
They're all right/alright (OK)
(the spelling is of no consequence here because we are discussing speech)
At its most colloquial, the pronunciation is considerably different:
Awright, dude!
However, as Travis noted, "all right" can be used in all situations whereas "alright" can only be used in specific circumstances (as in "OK").
There often is a pronunciation difference between:
Those answers are all right (all correct)
and:
They're all right/alright (OK)
(the spelling is of no consequence here because we are discussing speech)
At its most colloquial, the pronunciation is considerably different:
Awright, dude!
I've just looked up "alright" in my 2002 OED. It had this advice: When writing, use the spelling "all right" rather than "alright".
So, from that, "alright" exists only in speech, when it sounds exactly the same as "all right", so it doesn't really exist at all
So, from that, "alright" exists only in speech, when it sounds exactly the same as "all right", so it doesn't really exist at all
"I've just looked up 'alright' in my 2002 OED. It had this advice: When writing, use the spelling 'all right' rather than 'alright'."
Always take dictionary advice very carefully. Remember, the person or persons compiling that dictionary might be very knowledgeable but their opinions on English usage are really no less subjective than your own.
This much is clear - OED or any other dictionary notwithstanding - "alright" is a widespread, and accepted spelling.
Always take dictionary advice very carefully. Remember, the person or persons compiling that dictionary might be very knowledgeable but their opinions on English usage are really no less subjective than your own.
This much is clear - OED or any other dictionary notwithstanding - "alright" is a widespread, and accepted spelling.
C61's subjective opinion, and embracing of our aims have been noted. His next mission is to destabilise l'Academie Francaise from within.
C6151EB is right - you can't trust one hundred percent in any dictionary, always double check other sources. Here you are: Webster online:
http://www.webster.com/dictionary/alright
http://www.webster.com/dictionary/alright
"Webster is an American dictionary."
So what?
How about Cambridge?
http://dictionary.cambridge.org/define.asp?key=2333&dict=CALD
So what?
How about Cambridge?
http://dictionary.cambridge.org/define.asp?key=2333&dict=CALD
Cambridge is a British dictionary. He expects nothing less than a dictionary from Hong Kong or Middle Earth.
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