by Barbara McNichol
When a colleague asked me to explain common one-word vs. two-word confusions as part of my Word Trippers, I came up with this list. Use it as a quick reference whenever you’re in doubt!
Standby vs. stand by – Use two words when you refer to an action. “Stand by for the latest news.” Use one word when you’re in a waiting mode. “Put your computer on standby while you’re on the phone.”
Online vs. on line – The conventional use when referring to computer connections is one word only. “Do you do most of your work online?” It’s customary to say “on the line” rather than “on line” when you’re not referring to computers.
Login vs. log in – Use two words when you take an action to enter an account. “I log in to my bank account records every day.” Use one when referring to the actual sign-in. “Don’t tell anyone your login information.”
Pickup vs. pick up – Use two words when you want to lift or get something. “I pick up a local newspaper from the grocery store every Sunday.” Use one word when referring to a kind of vehicle. “I park the pickup (truck) in the driveway because it won’t fit in the garage.”
Alright vs. all right – Although the one-word version is a variation of the two-word phrase, it is considered to be wrong or less acceptable than all right. “Is it all right if I search your house?”
Already vs. all ready – The single word is an adverb that modifies a verb or adjective. “The cat is already out of the bag.” The two-word phrase refers to being complete. “The assignment is all ready to turn in.”
Altogether vs. all together – The single word is an adverb meaning entirely. “Your idea is altogether brilliant.” The two-word phrase refers to being in the same place or doing the same thing. “Our family was all together for the holiday.” “All together, let’s sing.”
Which other one-word/two-word combos trip you up? Please share them here.
Be sure to check out my Kindle and print versions of Word Trippers at amazon.com. Word Trippers explains 360+ confusable pairings that can trip you up!
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
I often get tripped up by “followup” and “follow up.” I’m forever going to my dictionary to make sure I use the correct word(s) in the right context.
Follow up vs. followup – is a commonly confused duo.
Thanks for addressing my issue here!
These are some others I see commonly mixed up: makeup/make up, followup/follow up, handout/hand out and carryon/carry on.
Let’s see if we can come up with a comprehensive list!
Yes, look for more in the next installment. Thanks for your suggestions, Rebecca.