Of Course or Ofcourse: Which One Should You Use?

English is a language with many nuances, and the choices we make in writing can sometimes confuse even the most experienced writers. One such choice is whether to use “of course” or “ofcourse.” You’ve probably encountered both in various forms of communication—be it casual text messages, formal emails, or even books and might have wondered if there’s a proper rule to follow.

In this article, we’ll clear up the confusion by explaining when to use “of course,” why “ofcourse” isn’t correct, and explore some grammar, pronunciation, and usage guidelines. By the end, you’ll be confidently using the phrase without a second thought.

What Does “Of Course” Mean?

Before we dive into the rules of usage, let’s first break down what “of course” means. The phrase is commonly used to express agreement, affirmation, or to indicate something is obvious or expected. It can be used in various contexts, both formal and informal.

For example:

• “Can you help me with this project?”
  “Of course, I’d be happy to.”

In this instance, “of course” implies an enthusiastic agreement. It’s like saying, “Absolutely, that’s no problem.”

The Correct Form: “Of Course”

The correct form of the phrase is “of course,” written as two separate words. “Of course” is a prepositional phrase, and using it this way is grammatically sound. The phrase has a long history in the English language and follows conventional rules.

Let’s take a look at a few examples of how you might use it in a sentence:

• “Yes, of course, I’ll attend the meeting tomorrow.”
• “He was of course surprised by the unexpected news.”
• “I’ll of course keep you updated on my progress.”

In all these instances, the phrase emphasizes certainty, politeness, or a given fact.

Of Course in Emails

Let’s take a look at a scenario where “of course” might appear in an email.

Scenario 1:

Subject: Assistance with the Marketing Presentation

Hi Sarah,

I hope you’re doing well. I just wanted to follow up on our discussion from yesterday. Could you send over the latest marketing statistics for the presentation?

Of course, I’d be happy to help with that. I’ll gather everything and send it over by the end of the day.

Best regards,
Jake

In this email, “of course” conveys a positive, polite tone, reassuring Sarah that Jake is eager to assist her.

Of Course in Everyday Conversation

Now, let’s consider the phrase in a casual conversation.

Scenario 2:

“Would you like some coffee?”
“Of course, I’d love some. Thanks for asking!”

Here, “of course” suggests that it’s a given that the person would like coffee—it’s expected or natural.

Why “Ofcourse” Is Incorrect

Now, you may be wondering, why can’t we simply write “ofcourse” as one word? The answer is straightforward: “ofcourse” is not grammatically correct in standard English. Despite its frequent appearance in informal writing, such as social media posts or texts, it does not follow the rules of English grammar.

According to respected sources such as the Oxford Dictionary, the correct form is always “of course” as two separate words. While you may encounter it written as one word in casual communication, remember that it’s simply a spelling error.

The Pronunciation of “Of Course”

The pronunciation of “of course” is relatively simple. It is said as /ʌv kɔːrs/ or “uhv kawrs,” with emphasis on the second word, “course.” If you’re unsure, listen to native English speakers, and you’ll notice that “of course” flows smoothly with the emphasis naturally placed on “course.”

Interestingly, some non-native speakers might mispronounce it as “offcourse,” but this is incorrect. When spoken aloud, the “offcourse” version sounds jarring to native ears and is considered a mispronunciation.

Common Mistakes: “Ofcourse of Offcourse”

One common mistake that people make is confusing “ofcourse” and “offcourse.” While these two variants might sound similar, they are actually incorrect. The term “offcourse” might seem logical at first glance, especially because the word “course” often has connections to direction or movement, but it doesn’t apply here. The correct phrase is “of course,” which doesn’t imply direction or movement—just affirmation or agreement.

Here’s an example of a misused “offcourse”:

Incorrect: “I’ll be there in 10 minutes, offcourse.” Correct: “I’ll be there in 10 minutes, of course.”

In this example, “of course” shows confidence and assurance, while “offcourse” does not make sense in this context.

What About “Of Course Not”?

You may also encounter the phrase “of course not,” which is used to express a negative response or rejection of a suggestion. It is the opposite of “of course” and can be used to politely or firmly decline a request.

For example:

• “Can I borrow your car for the weekend?”
  “Of course not! You know I don’t let anyone use my car.”

Here, the speaker is clearly saying no, but in a strong, yet polite manner.

Of Course or Of Course UK?

When it comes to usage in the UK, there is no significant difference between “of course” in the UK and other English-speaking countries like the US. However, you might find that British English sometimes leans toward more formal phrases or expressions. That said, the phrase remains the same in both variants of English.

Example (UK style):

“Would you like some tea?”
“Of course, I’d love some, thank you!”

The meaning, tone, and usage are identical between the UK and other English-speaking countries, but remember that regional slang and informal speech may vary.

When Is “Ofcourse or Of Course Grammar” an Issue?

When it comes to grammar rules, it’s easy to get confused with the spelling of commonly used phrases. Many people mistakenly write “ofcourse” or “offcourse,” especially when typing quickly on smartphones or informal platforms. However, in formal writing—whether in essays, reports, or professional emails—it’s important to stick to the two-word format: of course.

Grammar Breakdown:

• Correct: “Of course, I will help you.”
• Incorrect: “Ofcourse, I will help you.”
• Incorrect: “Offcourse, I will help you.”

Table: Common Mistakes vs. Correct Usage

Mistake	Correct Usage
ofcourse	of course
offcourse	of course
ofcourse not	of course not
offcourse UK	of course (UK)

Conclusion

It’s easy to get caught up in small mistakes like writing “ofcourse” when you should be using “of course,” but once you understand the rules and the proper contexts, the decision becomes much simpler. Whether you’re writing an email, responding to a question, or having a casual conversation, the key is to remember that the correct form is always “of course,” and you should steer clear of “ofcourse” or “offcourse” as they are incorrect spellings.

By practicing these tips and keeping in mind the pronunciation and grammatical rules, you’ll avoid common pitfalls and sound more natural and fluent in both spoken and written English. Keep these points in mind, and soon, you’ll be confidently using “of course” in all your conversations without hesitation.