alright

Alright is a word in English that functions mainly as an informal variant of all right. It can mean satisfactory or in good condition, it can serve as an interjection signaling agreement or acknowledgment, and it is used in informal speech to modify clauses or statements (as in it's alright).

Origins and spelling. The word formed from all and right has historically appeared as two separate words; the single-word form alright emerged and gained popularity in the modern era. While it is widespread in everyday conversation, many traditional style guides treat it as informal or nonstandard in formal writing. Dictionaries vary in labeling it, with some recognizing it as a legitimate variant and others recommending the two-word form for formal contexts.

Usage and style considerations. In formal writing, most editors prefer all right and discourage alright. In American English, alright is extremely common in informal contexts and appears in many newspapers, blogs, and dialogues. In British English, it is often viewed as less acceptable in formal prose but is widely understood in spoken language. When writing dialogue or informal text, alright can convey natural speech, but in academic or professional writing, all right is typically preferred.

Grammatical notes and usage patterns. Alright can function as an adjective in informal predicative position (the plan is alright), as an interjection expressing agreement (Alright!), or as part of conversational clauses (it’s alright to go ahead). The formal equivalent remains all right in most contexts. Some related informal variants include alrighty, used in casual speech to signal readiness or exasperation, and these forms share the same general sense of approval or acceptability.

Overall, alright reflects the evolving orthography of everyday English, balancing common usage with traditional preferences for formality.