Of Course or Ofcourse – Which One Is Correct and Why It Matters

Of Course or Ofcourse? It’s a common confusion that trips up many writers and speakers. While “of course” is the correct form, many mistakenly write it as “ofcourse,” especially in casual texts or social media. The phrase “of course” is a widely used English expression that means something is obvious, expected, or naturally understood. It’s often used in conversational English, professional emails, and academic writing.

Understanding the proper usage is crucial for anyone aiming for clear and grammatically correct communication. In this short guide, we’ll explore the difference between of course and of course, explain why “of course” is two words, and help you avoid common spelling mistakes. If you’re looking to polish your English or improve your writing fluency, this topic is a must-know.

Is It “Of Course” or “Ofcourse”? Quick Answer

Here’s the verdict, plain and simple:

•  Correct: Of course (two words)
•  Incorrect: Ofcourse (one word)

Example use:

“Of course I’d love to join you for coffee.”

Pretty straightforward, right? The rest of this post explains why “of course” deserves two words, plus how and when to use it effectively.

Why the Confusion Exists

Several factors fuel this common mistake:

• Fast typing on phones and keyboards encourages shortcuts
• Autocorrect and spellchecker may mistakenly accept “ofcourse”
• Digital communication trends—casual writing in comments or chat messages
• Influence from non-native speakers learning English informally

All of this supports one truth: the error happens frequently. But just because something is common doesn’t make it correct.

Meaning of “Of Course”

When you say “of course,” you’re signaling:

1. Agreement or permission
2. Obviousness or naturalness
3. Reassurance or promptness

Look at these examples:

• Agreement: “Of course, I’ll help with your presentation.”
• Obviousness: “Of course water boils at 100°C.”
• Reassurance: “You can, of course, ask any question.”

It’s a versatile phrase—simple, honest, direct.

What About “Ofcourse”?

Some people ask, “Is ‘ofcourse’ ever right?” The answer: No—at least not in standard English.

• Dictionary entries don’t list “ofcourse.”
• Style guides (APA, MLA, Chicago) treat it as an error.
• Corpus data (Google Ngrams, COCA) show nearly zero valid usage.

Even Google search stats indicate most hits are in contexts like “don’t use ofcourse”—proof that the single-word variant is widely rejected.

Grammar Breakdown: Why “Of Course” Takes Two Words

Understanding grammar clears it all up.

Word	Part of Speech	Function
of	Preposition	Indicates relationship
course	Noun	Path or progression metaphor

This collocation matches other two-word phrases like:

• in fact (preposition + noun)
• for sure (preposition + noun)
• at least (preposition + noun)

Putting “of” and “course” together without a space breaks this structure—it isn’t a compound word in English.

Examples of “Of Course” in Real Sentences

Here are various contexts to see “of course” in action:

Casual conversation

“Of course, I’ll pick you up at 6.”

Formal writing

“Of course, we appreciate your detailed feedback.”

Ironic or sarcastic tone

“Of course that happened… right after I left.”

Professional emails

“Of course, please feel free to review and let me know.”

Academic writing

“Of course, the phenomenon can be interpreted in multiple ways.”

These examples prove its flexibility—from casual chats to formal documents.

Synonyms and Related Expressions

Sometimes “of course” isn’t the best fit. Here are powerful alternatives by tone:

Tone	Alternative
Polite	Certainly, By all means
Casual	Sure thing, No problem
Confident	Absolutely, Definitely

When to use each:

• Certainly adds formality
• Sure thing works in settings with familiarity
• Absolutely carries strong affirmation

When Not to Use “Of Course”

Although versatile, this phrase can misfire:

• Arrogant tone:
  “Of course I deserve that bonus.”
• Dismissive vibe:
  “Of course you told me that already.”
• Cultural norms can shift tone and politeness drastically.

When you want to soften your message, consider:

• “I’d be happy to…”
• “Sure, we can work on that together.”

Always tailor your tone to your audience.

History and Origins of “Of Course”

Let’s dig into its roots:

• Earliest usage: 14th century, in Chaucer-style Middle English
• “Course” referred to natural progression or way
• Combined with “of,” it conveyed something along an expected path
• By 17th–18th centuries, usage shifted to express obviousness or permission

It’s a modest phrase with a big history.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which one is correct, of course or ofcourse?

“Of course” is the correct form. The one-word version “ofcourse” is a common spelling mistake.

2. Is it correct to say “of course yes”?

 It sounds awkward. Simply saying “of course” or “yes, of course” is more natural and grammatically correct.

3. Why are “of course” two words?

“Of” is a preposition and “course” is a noun, forming a natural phrase. English grammar doesn’t allow them to be merged into one word here.

4. Is it “ofcourse” or “of coarse”?

Both are incorrect in this context. Use “of course”; “coarse” means rough or crude and has a completely different meaning.

5. When to use “ofcourse”?

Never. “Ofcourse” is not a real word in English and should be avoided in all writing, casual or formal.

Conclusion: Keep It Clear, Keep It Correct

To sum up, the correct form is “of course”—written as two separate words. The spelling “ofcourse” is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided, especially in formal writing. Understanding subtle yet important distinctions like this helps improve your English fluency, writing accuracy, and confidence in communication.

Whether you’re replying in a conversation, crafting an email, or working on academic content, using proper grammar makes a lasting impression. So next time you’re about to write “of course,” pause—and remember: it’s always “of course.”