Alright vs. All Right
Language changes over time as we use it in different ways. Sometimes, this means that nonstandard forms of words come into use, and over time, they become standard because many people accept them as correct. The fact that we have two spellings of all right and alright is evidence of how language begins to morph over time.
All right is a phrase that is used as an adjective or an adverb. As an adjective, all right means safe, acceptable, or good.
1. Is Kevin all right?
2. The new movie is all right, but I wouldn't go again.
3. This casserole your mom made is all right.
All right used as an adverb can mean a few different things: yes, satisfactorily, certainly, or agree (in a question).
1. We can go shopping after we eat lunch, all right? (do you agree/yes)
2. All right, what do I have to do to win first place?
3. Our science project is progressing all right, but I think we need to do more research.
4. We are going to win this game, all right!
The word alright is not actually a word. This spelling of all right has come into existence, but it is not recognized as correct. It means, though, the same as all right.
1. Are you alright?
2. The new movie is alright, but I wouldn't go again.
3. We can go shopping after we eat lunch, alright?
This spelling is not recognized as incorrect by most word processors, so over time, this spelling of alright will likely be widely accepted.
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