Word War with Cac the Proofreader
Cac The Proofreader back with another WORD WAR, and this one’s a double dose of fun! We’re going to look at two words, each of which has two spellings and different meanings. So I should say we’re looking at four words! Let’s dive in…
ALTOGETHER vs. ALL TOGETHER.
ALTOGETHER means “completely,” “in total,” even “all in all.” Example: “Altogether, I spent a thousand dollars.”
ALL TOGETHER means everyone or everything together, as “in one.” Example: “Put the dogs all together in one pen.”
A tip: If you can separate the words “all” and “together” and the sentence makes sense, that’s your cue that it takes the two-word version. Example: “Put all the dogs together in one pen.”
And for the other set, I’ll be short and sweet!
ALRIGHT vs. ALL RIGHT.
ALRIGHT is really not a word, no matter the circumstance…in both American and British English. Sure, you will run across it in books, manuscripts, and informal writings, but in the education and editorial world, it is not acceptable. Moral of that story…JUST. SAY. NO!
ALL RIGHT. Always use this form and you’ll never be wrong. The one-word version may make its mark over time and be considered acceptable, but it isn’t just yet. So until that day comes, stick with ALL RIGHT!
And there you have it! Just in case you have trouble deciding which way to go, be sure to use the tip I gave you earlier; that will always set you on the right track.
If you’d like for me to pick apart one of your WORD WARS, feel free to drop it below, email me at cac@cactheproofreader.com, or just pick up the phone: 833.I.PROOF.U/833.477.6638.
Lastly, If you have a writing project I can support you with, please let me know. You’ll find my information on my website: cactheproofreader.com
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