Write It Right: One Word or Two?

Some of the trickiest word choices involve the age-old question, "Is it one word or two?" In a few cases, the one-word versions aren't words at all. Take a look at the following examples.

a hold — means "in one's grasp or possession." You've really got a hold on me.
ahold — not a word. Don't use.

a lot — an informal phrase meaning "many." The audience had a lot of questions.
alot — not a word. Don't use.


Not to be confused with:
allot — means "to give or apportion something as a share or task." Let's allot our time carefully.

all right — means "good." We'll be all right if we stick to our plan.
alright — a questionable word at best. Some dictionaries list it with the same meaning as "all right," but Pinnacol's communications "bible" — The Associated Press (AP) Stylebook — says to "never" use. We agree with the AP recommendation.

all ready — means "ready"; the word "all" is often unnecessary. I'm (all) ready to go.
already — means "by now" or "prior to." We've already completed that project.

all together — means "together in a single group." Let's sing it all together now!
altogether — means "completely" or "in all." The concept was altogether ridiculous.

any one — means "any single thing or person." Any one of our ideas would have worked.
anyone — means "any person." Did anyone remember to turn off the lights?

any way — means "any manner or method." I don't see any way to finish the proposal.
anyway — means "regardless." Let's try to finish it anyway.

every day — means "each day." He's been late every day this week.
everyday — means "normal or routine." He's also been slow to learn his everyday tasks.

every one — means "every single thing or person." I could have tried every one of those desserts.
everyone — means "all the people." Is everyone ready to begin?

Thanks to Collin, our senior communications specialist, for suggesting this month's topic and to Michelle who every month puts together the "Write It Right" series.