Question for the flist-mind

[thismaz]

Dear flist,

I think, for once, this is a question directed more towards the Brits on my flist.

The word 'alright'.

Is that an acceptable spelling?

Or would you always spell it as two words?

Would you feel differently, depending on whether you were writing narrative or dialogue?

Any and all opinion welcome.

*hugs wonderful flist-mind*

Comments

[curiouswombat.livejournal.com]

I always try to spell it as alright but, if I am writing it on the computer rather than by hand, the spell checker complains. And, on checking, so does my 1969 Cassell's English Dictionary - so even if it is alright now, it wasn't alright then...

[thismaz.livejournal.com]

I started off thinking this was an North American/British thing, but looking at the range of responses, I'm not so sure now. There seems to be a generational element, too?
I guess it was always 'incorrect' (whatever that word means in this context) but was used commonly. I find quin's reaction interesting.

[llama1412.livejournal.com]

I have to agree with this, based on what I know. From what I've heard, 'alright' only became part of the dictionary through common usage. It was originally "all right", but people started shortening it. However, common usage does define our dictionary, so, unless it's formal writing, it's probably more down to the author's choice as to which to use.

[thismaz.livejournal.com]

Wombat's dictionary is 1969, mine is 1986 and the one British person who doesn't use alright is younger. If I wanted to jump to conclusions, I might say that it's like we were acquiring accepted use of it over here, but under American influence, are now losing it again. Meanwhile, smwright is complaining about it entering American English. *g* Got to love the irony, if that is the case.

[llama1412.livejournal.com]

It is pretty ironic, isn't it? XD
I have to admit, as an American, I dislike it, but I see it all to often. However, I guess it's really just a matter of what people are taught and what looks better in context.
A lot of grammar (at least, the way I think it should be) seems to be for aesthetic purposes and flow. So really, it's author's choice.

[thismaz.livejournal.com]

Yes, you are right about many grammar 'rules'. They are designed to help the reader read and understand, but if they get in the way, many of them should be ignored.

[curiouswombat.livejournal.com]

It's fascinating - and I'm getting the impression that, unlike some contractions, it is more common amongst Brits than North Americans - but only some, not all.

Generational... hmm... I think I might be the oldest responder, and quin the youngest, so it wouldn't be the obvious way round. And a verbal discussion with S2C shows that he regards the 'alright' 'all right' meaning slightly different things in the same way as me. Which is, of course, why my beta has no problem with it!

Could it possibly be a north/south of the UK thing even?

Can't just be the highly educated Oxbridge people who use the full version, as Ningloreth is one of them ;~P

[thismaz.livejournal.com]

North/South probably does play a part, now you mention it. That does make a huge difference in many things to do with language, beyond the obvious dialectic ones.

I speculated to Llama that we might be losing it, under American influence, while they are gaining it *g* Which would be funny.

I am going to keep thinking alright, but I might start considering how I spell it, more, in future.