Academic Language and Learning
One word or two?
The following words MUST always be written as two words:
- a lot
- Prior to treatment, a lot of the individuals were in poor condition
- in fact
- It was easier, in fact, to alter the measurements at once
- in order
- In order to solve the problem the data were reanalysed
- in turn
- Each experiment will be examined in turn
A number of words have two forms, and indeed, two meanings.
- all ready - expresses complete readiness
- We were all ready to go to the cinema
- already - expresses time
- When we had arrived the train had already departed.
- all together – “in a group”
- The animals were caged all together in the pen.
- altogether – “thoroughly”
- The result was altogether unsatisfactory.
- any one – refers to a specific person or thing in a group
- You can choose any one of those books.
- anyone – “any person at all”
- They allow almost anyone in.
- any way – “any possibility, any means”
- Is there any way that I can help you?
- anyway – “nevertheless”
- Although it was raining we went anyway.
- can not – “unable to” when the “not” needs to be emphasised
- You can not enter a one way street against the traffic.
- cannot - is the usual form
- The specimens cannot be analysed until tomorrow.
- may be – “it is possible that”
- It may be that all variables were not accounted for.
- maybe – “perhaps”
- Maybe we should wait until next year.
- thank you – this is generally a verb form
- Thank you for attending.
- thankyou – is an adjective
- A thankyou letter arrived yesterday.
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