Plenty of confusion often arises when it comes to the decision to use “alright” vs. “all right.”  Which is correct?  Unfortunately, the answer is not 100 percent clear.  Why?  Although “alright” is not necessarily approved by popular usage guides, it is still accepted in more casual settings and has not been completely ruled out by all within the grammar arena.

If we look at the Oxford English Dictionary, “alright” is described as a “frequent spelling of all right.”  Such a description does not mean that “alright” is an incorrect term, which leaves some gray area in this argument.

If you want the clear-cut answer regarding which of the two options to use, “all right” is your answer.  “All right” is what is used in professional settings, so choosing it as your go-to option will keep you clear of any wrongdoing.

So, with all of that being said, should “alright” be outlawed from your word bank completely?  It doesn’t have to be, as you can use it in casual settings such as text messages, status updates, and the like.  If you use it in a term paper or other work where grammar will be scrutinized, however, go with the safe option of “all right.”  Making this choice will ensure that all of your work is deemed to be all right (no pun intended) when all is said and done.