In this English usage question on everyday expressions, choose the correct phrase to complete the sentence: "The traditional way of saying that you feel fine is to say that you are __________."

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: all right

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This question focuses on everyday conversational English and the difference between the traditional standard spelling "all right" and the more informal or disputed "alright". The sentence is: "The traditional way of saying that you feel fine is to say that you are __________." You must select the phrase that best represents the traditional, accepted form in standard written English.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Sentence: "The traditional way of saying that you feel fine is to say that you are __________."
  • Option A: "alright"
  • Option B: "all correct"
  • Option C: "all good"
  • Option D: "all right"
  • The question explicitly emphasises "traditional way", which points towards the classic, formally accepted expression.


Concept / Approach:
The standard spelling in traditional and formal English is "all right", written as two words. It has long been accepted in dictionaries and style guides to mean "fine", "satisfactory", or "okay". The one word form "alright" is increasingly used in informal contexts but is still often marked as nonstandard or less formal in many exam oriented materials. "All correct" is not commonly used to express feeling fine, and "all good" is slangy and much more recent. Therefore, the only option that fits the idea of a traditional, correct way to say you feel fine is "all right".


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Notice the key phrase "traditional way of saying that you feel fine".Step 2: Recall common responses such as "I am all right", "I am fine", or "I am okay".Step 3: Match these with the options; "all right" clearly fits as a direct traditional equivalent of "fine".Step 4: Consider spelling: in traditional grammar and exam contexts, "all right" (two words) is preferred over "alright".Step 5: Eliminate "all correct" and "all good" because they do not match the standard phrasing and are either odd or informal in this exact usage.


Verification / Alternative check:
Insert each option into the sentence. "To say that you are alright" is understood, but in strict exam settings, the spelling "alright" is often discouraged. "To say that you are all correct" does not naturally mean "I feel fine"; it suggests correctness in answers or behaviour. "To say that you are all good" is casual slang and not a traditional expression. "To say that you are all right" is both natural and consistent with the phrase "traditional way". Many textbooks emphasise "all right" as the recommended spelling in formal writing.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Option A "alright" is increasingly used informally but is still regarded as nonstandard by many traditional style guides, especially in exam contexts.
  • Option B "all correct" is not a common idiomatic way to answer a question about how you feel.
  • Option C "all good" is informal slang and does not match the word "traditional" in the question stem.


Common Pitfalls:
Because "alright" is common in texting and casual online writing, students may confuse it with the more formally accepted "all right". For examinations that stress traditional grammar and spelling, you should always prefer "all right" in written answers. Being aware of such differences between casual usage and exam level usage will help you avoid losing marks on otherwise easy vocabulary questions.


Final Answer:
The correct traditional expression is "all right", so the completed sentence reads: "The traditional way of saying that you feel fine is to say that you are all right."

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