The English language is full of quirks, and even native speakers sometimes find themselves second-guessing spelling or usage. One such common confusion is between “of course” and “ofcourse.” You may have typed one in a hurry and been flagged by spell check, or maybe you’ve seen both in text and wondered which one is right.
Let’s clear this up once and for all and along the way, we’ll explore why the confusion happens, give you real-life examples, and share tips for remembering the correct form.
Is It “Of Course” or “Ofcourse”?
The correct form is “of course”—two separate words.
The incorrect form, “ofcourse,” is a common spelling error and is not recognized in standard English dictionaries.
✨ Quick Rule: Always write “of course” as two words.
Why the Confusion?
The mix-up is understandable. “Of course” is used so frequently in both speech and writing that it’s easy to think of it as a single unit. Similar to words like “maybe” (from may + be) or “already” (from all + ready), you might assume “of course” has simply evolved into one word. But that hasn’t happened with this particular phrase.
Spellcheck tools are usually good at catching this, but not everyone types with them enabled—and even when they are, we often gloss over the red squiggles in a rush.
What Does “Of Course” Mean?
“Of course” is a phrase used to express:
- Agreement or affirmation
- Permission
- Obviousness
- Reassurance
It’s versatile and shows up across all kinds of conversations, from formal to casual.
Let’s break these meanings down with examples.
1. To Express Agreement or Affirmation
This is perhaps the most common use of “of course.”
✅ Correct:
A: Are you coming to the meeting tomorrow?
B: Of course, I wouldn’t miss it.
Here, “of course” is a natural way to say yes, definitely or absolutely.
❌ Incorrect:
Ofcourse, I wouldn’t miss it.
(Here, “ofcourse” is wrong because it’s not a real word.)
2. To Give Permission
This use is polite and often reassuring.
✅ Correct:
A: Can I borrow your pen for a moment?
B: Of course, go ahead!
In this case, “of course” is used similarly to sure or no problem.
3. To Emphasize Obviousness
Sometimes, you use “of course” to imply that something should be understood or expected.
✅ Correct:
A: Did she get the promotion?
B: Of course she did—she worked really hard for it.
Here, it means something like as expected or naturally.
4. To Reassure or Soften a Statement
It can also be used to reassure someone when answering a question that might carry anxiety.
✅ Correct:
A: You don’t mind if I come a bit late, do you?
B: Of course not, take your time.
This softens the response and helps maintain a friendly tone.
Common Situations Where “Ofcourse” Pops Up
Let’s take a look at a few scenarios where people often mistakenly write “ofcourse” instead of “of course”—and how to correct them.
✍️ Texting and Informal Chats
In fast-paced digital conversations, people often type “ofcourse” as a shortcut.
Example:
“Ofcourse I’ll be there at 6.”
Correction:
“Of course I’ll be there at 6.”
Tip: Autocorrect may not always help in casual apps. Be mindful of how you type even in informal messages.
📝 Emails and Professional Writing
Using “ofcourse” in an email to a boss or client can make your writing seem rushed or careless.
Example:
“Ofcourse, we’ll follow up with the client on Tuesday.”
Correction:
“Of course, we’ll follow up with the client on Tuesday.”
Tip: Always proofread professional writing. Even small errors like this can affect your credibility.
📚 Academic or Essay Writing
In essays, clarity and correctness matter. “Ofcourse” is an easy way to lose points with your instructor.
Example:
“Ofcourse, the results support the hypothesis.”
Correction:
“Of course, the results support the hypothesis.”
Tip: Spell check tools in word processors like Microsoft Word or Google Docs usually catch this mistake—use them to your advantage.
How to Remember the Correct Form
Need a memory trick? Try this:
🧠 Memory Tip:
Think of it as “of” + “course”, like enrolling in a course.
Would you ever write “ofmath” instead of “of math”? Probably not.
This mental association can help you pause and type the two words correctly.
What About Other Languages?
Interestingly, in some languages, expressions equivalent to “of course” are written as single words. For instance:
- In German: natürlich
- In Spanish: por supuesto (two words)
- In French: bien sûr (also two words)
So if you’re bilingual, especially with a language that merges similar expressions, that might be contributing to the habit of writing “ofcourse.”
Final Verdict
Let’s recap the key point:
✅ The correct form is “of course.”
❌ “Ofcourse” is a misspelling.
Whether you’re writing a quick text or crafting a formal proposal, using the correct spelling makes your communication clearer and more professional. It’s a small thing—but small things often make a big difference in how you’re perceived as a writer or speaker.
In Summary
| Phrase | Correct? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Of course | ✅ Yes | Use it to agree, reassure, or state the obvious |
| Ofcourse | ❌ No | Not a real word—avoid in all forms of writing |
Language evolves, but clarity and correctness never go out of style. So the next time you’re tempted to type “ofcourse,” take a second and give that spacebar a tap your grammar will thank you.
