Quirks of English

--for those who speak English as their second language or who just want to improve their writing

(Text-only version of Quirks of English)

Shibboleths in English continued

all right, all ready, already, all together, altogether

Most compound words that begin with all (or its shortened form al) have some sense of the word all--such as complete, entirely, in many ways, or of every part. For example, something that is all-purpose is useful for all or many purposes; something that is all-encompassing or all-inclusive includes all things; always and all along mean all the time or in all circumstances; and allspice is a spice that combines the flavors of several (though perhaps not all) common spices. Unlike such words, albeit is actually derived from although. It literally means "although it be."

Some all compounds are prefixed by al (like always); some are prefixed by all (like allspice). These can be single combined words (always), hyphenated compounds (all-inclusive), or two separate words (all along). Other all compounds have different meanings depending on how they are spelled, which brings us to our words for this Quirks of English article.

already, all ready

Already, an adverb, means previously; prior to a specified past, present, or future time. It may also be used as an intensive to express impatience:

• By the time I arrived at the discount store, the advertised toy had already been sold out.
• They had spent enough already and had to be careful.
• Aren't you done already?

All ready, an adjective, means all prepared:

• Are you all ready to board the tour boat?

altogether, all together

Altogether, an adverb, means wholly, completely, or everything being considered:

• Their attitude about the team's responsibilities was altogether unreasonable.

All together, an adverb, means all in unison:

• Most hope that family members will be all together on the holidays.

all right, alright

Although alright seems to be analogous to altogether and already, it falls into the same category as enthused and should be avoided in good writing. All right can be an adjective meaning well enough, unhurt, or satisfactory, or an adverb meaning certainly:

• Even though the bungee cord broke, the jumper was all right.
• The teenager loudly proclaimed: All right, I'll do my homework before supper.

Make sure that your writing is all right-- let Editorial help.

Test yourself.

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Last updated: 1/20/2009