“Of course vs ofcourse” is a very common search for people who want to write clearly. Many learners and native speakers wonder if ofcourse (one word) is correct or if they must write of course (two words).
The short answer: write of course as two words. This article explains why, shows how to use of course in real sentences, and points out the errors that make ofcourse wrong in standard English. I will label parts of speech in the introduction and in examples, check verb tense and subject-verb agreement, and review small words like articles and prepositions. You will get many short examples, common mistakes, and simple rules to copy. Read on for a clear, plain guide you can use right away.
Parts of speech analysis
Below I take each of the seven introduction sentences and mark the main parts of speech. I check verbs for tense and agreement and note small grammar items.
“Of course vs ofcourse” is a very common search for people who want to write clearly
- Nouns: search, people (main nouns). Of course vs ofcourse functions as a noun phrase (topic).
- Verb: is — present simple linking verb. Agreement: the topic phrase is singular as a title, so is is correct.
- Adjectives: very (adverb modifying common), common (adjective).
- Pronoun/relative clause: who — relative pronoun referring to people.
- Infinitive: to write — to (infinitive marker) + write (base verb).
- Check: Sentence is complete and grammatically correct.
Many learners and native speakers wonder if ofcourse (one word) is correct or if they must write of course (two words)
- Nouns: learners, speakers, word.
- Pronouns: they (refers to learners and native speakers).
- Verbs: wonder (present simple, plural subject), is (present linking), must write (modal + base verb). Agreement: learners and native speakers (plural) → wonder correct. Ofcourse (one word) → is correct for singular noun phrase.
- Conjunctions: and, or (join items).
- Check: Modal must indicates obligation; tense and agreement are correct.
The short answer: write of course as two words
- Nouns: answer, words.
- Verb (imperative or instruction): write (base verb used as instruction).
- Preposition: as (used to show role).
- Check: Short clear instruction; imperative form fits.
This article explains why, shows how to use of course in real sentences, and points out the errors that make ofcourse wrong in standard English
- Pronoun: This (refers to article).
- Verbs: explains, shows, points out — present simple verbs agreeing with singular article.
- Nouns: sentences, errors, English.
- Adjectives/adverbs: real (modifies sentences), wrong (adjective modifying ofcourse), standard (adjective modifying English).
- Check: Parallel verb list is correct and clear.
Tips for labeling parts of speech and reviewing grammar
- Pronoun: I.
- Modal + verb: will label, will check, will review — future simple used for promise.
- Nouns: parts of speech, introduction, examples, verb tense, subject-verb agreement, articles, prepositions.
- Check: Parallel future verbs match the singular subject I.
You will get many short examples, common mistakes, and simple rules to copy
- Pronoun: You (reader).
- Modal + verb: will get — future simple.
- Nouns: examples, mistakes, rules.
- Adjectives: short, common, simple.
- Check: Promise form is clear.
Read on for a clear, plain guide you can use right away
- Verb (imperative): Read.
- Preposition: for.
- Adjectives: clear, plain.
- Relative clause: you can use right away — can (modal) + use (base verb).
- Check: Imperative plus purpose phrase fits article tone.
What “of course” means and why “ofcourse” is wrong
Definition — of course
- Of course is an adverbial phrase. It means certainly, naturally, surely, or as expected. You use it to show agreement, to confirm something, or to add emphasis.
Parts of speech in the phrase
- Of — preposition.
- Course — noun.
- Together of course functions as an adverbial phrase (a discourse marker). It modifies a sentence or clause, not a single verb.
Why “ofcourse” is wrong
- Ofcourse written as one word is a misspelling. Standard English treats of as a preposition and course as a noun, so they stay separate. Writing them together as ofcourse removes the preposition and breaks the grammar. You will not see ofcourse in formal writing, exams, or dictionaries as a correct single word.
Exceptions
- In usernames, brand names, or internet handles people sometimes use ofcourse for style. This is not standard writing.
How “of course” works in a sentence — grammar and function
Adverbial / discourse marker
- When of course comes at the start of a sentence, it signals the speaker’s attitude.
- Example: Of course, you can come.
- Parts: Of (prep), course (noun), you (pronoun), can (modal), come (verb).
- Grammar check: can come is modal + base verb. Comma after of course marks the discourse marker.
Mid-sentence / parenthetical use
- I will, of course, help you.
- Parts: I (pronoun), will help (future modal + verb), of course (parenthetical adverbial), you (object pronoun).
- Grammar check: Commas show parenthetical phrase. Verb tense will help stays intact.
End-of-sentence use
- You can come, of course.
- Parts: You (subject), can come (modal + verb), of course (adverbial phrase).
- Grammar check: Comma before of course is optional but often used for clarity.
Contrast or emphasis
- Of course she knows, but she did not tell us.
- Parts: Of course (adverbial), she (pronoun), knows (verb present), but (conjunction), she (pronoun), did not tell (past auxiliary + negation + base verb), us (object).
- Check: knows present simple matches subject she; did not tell is past — two tense usage is acceptable depending on meaning.
Short answers and interjections
- “Can I leave early?” — “Of course.”
- Parts: Of course (adverbial used alone as short answer).
- Check: Short answer stands alone; implied full sentence Of course you can leave early.
Detailed parts-of-speech breakdowns in more examples
I give simple example sentences that use of course and show each part of speech briefly.
- Of course we will help.
- Of (preposition), course (noun), we (pronoun), will (modal), help (verb).
- Check: we will correct subject + modal.
- She will, of course, arrive on time.
- She (pronoun), will arrive (modal + verb), of course (parenthetical adverbial), on time (prepositional phrase/time expression).
- Check: Commas set off parenthetical phrase.
- They have, of course, finished the task.
- They (pronoun), have finished (present perfect auxiliary + past participle), the task (object).
- Check: Perfect tense have finished is correct.
- You, of course, know the rules.
- You (pronoun), know (present simple verb), the rules (object).
- Check: Placement of of course between subject and verb is acceptable; commas used.
- Of course not!
- Of course (adverbial phrase), not (negation).
- Check: Short negative answer; stand-alone usage.
Each example shows how of course does not change the verb form or tense; it only adds speaker meaning.
Spelling, punctuation, and common errors
Most common error: ofcourse (one word)
- Why wrong: of is a preposition and must stay separate from course. Together they form a fixed phrase. Ofcourse is not listed as a correct single word in standard dictionaries.
Punctuation with of course
- At sentence start: Use a comma after of course when it is a parenthetical or an introductory phrase. Of course, we will go.
- Mid-sentence parenthetical: Use commas on both sides. We will, of course, go.
- End of sentence: Comma before of course is optional but safer. We will go, of course.
- No commas needed when of course is tightly connected: Of course we win this time — still acceptable but many writers add a comma.
Other errors
- Wrong placement that breaks flow: Of course the book, I read it. Better: Of course, I read the book.
- Spelling confusion with ofcourse in casual chat or fast typing — fix by editing.
Contextual examples and verb checks
Here are more real-life examples across registers. I label the verb forms and check agreement.
Formal writing
- Of course, the committee considered all factors before deciding.
- Verb: considered (past simple) — agrees with subject committee (collective, treated as singular or plural; here past simple suits).
Casual speech
- “Want to join?” — “Of course!”
- Use: Short answer; no verbs shown but implied.
Emails
- I will, of course, review your report by Friday.
- Verb: will review (future) — modal + base verb; of course is parenthetical.
Reporting
- He has, of course, denied the charge.
- Verb: has denied (present perfect) — auxiliary + past participle; of course does not affect tense.
Negative and contrast
- Of course I tried, but the door was locked.
- Verbs: tried (past), was locked (past passive). Sequence is logical.
Grammar checks summary: In every case, of course does not change tense or agreement. It functions as an adverbial cue.
Common mistakes and simple fixes
- Writing ofcourse
- Fix: Write of course (two words). Check spelling before sending.
- Missing commas for clarity
- Mistake: I will of course attend.
- Fix: I will, of course, attend. (But both are acceptable; commas improve clarity.)
- Using of course too often
- Problem: Overuse weakens impact and makes writing repetitive.
- Fix: Use synonyms occasionally: certainly, naturally, surely, definitely. But do not over-swap in simple writing.
- Wrong placement creates awkward sentences
- Mistake: Of course the plan, we will stop now.
- Fix: Of course, we will stop now. or We will stop now, of course.
- Using ofcourse in formal writing
- Fix: Always correct to of course in formal essays, reports, and exams.
American vs British English — any difference?
Spelling and meaning
- Both American and British English use of course as two words. There is no difference in meaning or form.
Punctuation preferences
- Both varieties accept commas around parenthetical of course. Style guides may prefer or omit commas. For formal British writing, commas are often used to set off introductory phrases.
Register and usage
- Use of course freely in both varieties. Avoid the one-word ofcourse in any formal or academic context.
Quick check sentence: Of course, both Americans and Britons say the same phrase.
- Verb: say (present simple plural) — subject both Americans and Britons plural → say correct.
Idiomatic uses and related phrases
Common idioms and close phrases
- Of course not — strong negative reply.
- Of course you can — friendly permission.
- And of course — used to add an expected point. And of course, we must thank the team.
- Synonyms: certainly, naturally, surely, definitely, surely, needless to say.
Grammatical notes
- Synonyms may be single-word adverbs and can replace of course without commas sometimes. Example: Certainly, I agree. But note tone differences.
Practical tips for writers and speakers
- Spell it right: Always use of course (two words) in standard writing.
- Use commas for clarity: Of course, I understand. or I will, of course, help. Commas make reading easier.
- Avoid overuse: Use of course when you need emphasis. For variety, use certainly or naturally in long texts.
- Mind placement: Start, middle, or end are all fine. Use commas when the phrase is parenthetical.
- Keep tone in mind: Of course can sound polite, positive, or sometimes sarcastic. Match your tone to context.
- Edit casual typing: If you typed ofcourse, change it on revision.
Rewrite and editing — an example improvement
Before (unclear): Ofcourse I will help you if you ask because I want to but maybe later I forget and I sorry if that happens I will try my best.
Problems found:
- Ofcourse wrong spelling.
- Run-on sentence with many clauses.
- Wrong verb forms and missing punctuation.
- Awkward phrasing and tone.
After (rewritten simple): Of course I will help you if you ask. I want to help, but I may forget later. I am sorry if that happens. I will try my best.
What changed:
- Corrected of course.
- Split into short sentences.
- Used correct verb forms: may forget, am sorry.
- Clear tone and simple wording.
Conclusion
Of course vs ofcourse — always write of course as two separate words in standard English. Of course is an adverbial phrase (preposition + noun) used to mean certainly or naturally. Ofcourse as one word is a misspelling and should be avoided in formal writing. Use commas to set off of course when it is parenthetical. Keep sentences short, check verb tense and subject-verb agreement, and edit casual typos before finalizing text. With these simple rules, you will write of course correctly every time.
FAQs
- Q: Is ofcourse correct? A: No. Ofcourse is a misspelling in standard English. Use of course.
- Q: Can I drop the comma after of course at the start of a sentence? A: You can, but adding a comma improves clarity: Of course, we agree.
- Q: Is of course formal or informal? A: It is neutral. You can use it in both formal and informal writing, but avoid slangy uses and always spell it correctly.
- Q: Can I use of course in the middle of a sentence? A: Yes. Use commas for a parenthetical: I will, of course, attend.
- Q: Is there a difference between American and British use? A: No major difference. Both use of course the same way.
- Q: What are good synonyms? A: Certainly, naturally, surely, definitely.
- Q: Can of course sound rude? A: It can sound sarcastic if tone or context implies it. Be careful with short replies like Of course. in sensitive situations.
- Q: Should I teach learners to spell of course together? A: Teach them to write it as two words and explain the preposition + noun structure.
- Q: Is of course used in short answers? A: Yes. As a short answer it means certainly or yes.
- Q: Why do people type ofcourse often? A: Fast typing, tight character limits in usernames, or non-native patterns can cause the error. Always proofread.
