Of Course or Ofcourse: Which Is Correct?

When I was teaching a class on business English, one of my students emailed me a formal cover letter draft. It looked great – until I noticed the phrase “Of Course or Ofcourse” used multiple times. That tiny spelling difference – a missing space – had a bigger impact than you’d imagine. This isn’t just a cosmetic issue; such a mistake can lower your credibility in academic, professional, or even casual conversations. Writing “of course” as one word is incorrectly applying how we speak to how we should write. These small errors create unnecessary confusion, especially in formal settings.

There’s a fascinating history behind this phrase, rooted in English grammar. While “of course” is a common part of everyday usage, it’s still a point of debate among learners. When said aloud, it feels like one word, which is why the misspelling “ofcourse” feels natural. But the rules of the language are clear. A solid guide reminds us that clarity in context matters. I’ve seen even fluent learners trip up here. If you’re unsure, refer to an example, review the details, and trust the structure the language provides. These small habits, when corrected, go a long way in building polished, confident communication.

Table of Contents

Quick Answer: ‘Of Course’ Is Correct, ‘Ofcourse’ Is Not

Let’s be clear upfront: “of course” is the only correct spelling.

The version “ofcourse” is a common mistake, not recognized by dictionaries like Merriam-Webster or Oxford. It’s not informal slang or an alternate form – it’s simply incorrect.

“Of course” is a two-word prepositional phrase that means naturally, certainly, or without a doubt.

What Do Major Dictionaries Say?

Dictionary	Spelling Accepted	Notes
Merriam-Webster	of course	No entry for “ofcourse”
Oxford English Dictionary	of course	“Ofcourse” redirects to correct form
Cambridge Dictionary	of course	“Ofcourse” not recognized

The Grammar Behind ‘Of Course’: Why It’s Two Words

Grammatically, “of course” consists of a preposition (“of”) and a noun (“course”). Together, they form a prepositional phrase that functions adverbially – modifying entire sentences.

Why Not One Word?

English rarely fuses prepositions and nouns into one compound unless the new word gains a distinct meaning (e.g., “into” or “without”). “Of course” hasn’t undergone such transformation.

Examples of similar correct phrases:

“In fact”
“By all means”
“At large”
“For sure”

Each remains two words because the meaning doesn’t shift enough to become a compound word.

The Etymology of ‘Of Course’: Where It Comes From

The phrase dates back to the 16th century, when “course” referred to a natural or expected progression of events, like the course of a river or the course of events.

“Of course” originally meant something happening in the natural course of things.

Historical Origin

Earliest known usage: Mid-1500s in formal English writings.
Meaning: Something that follows naturally from what came before.

Evolution of the Phrase

17th century: Used in formal philosophical and political texts.
19th century onward: Entered colloquial speech with the tone of reassurance, agreement, or obviousness.

Real-World Examples: ‘Of Course’ in Action

Everyday Situations

Friendship: “Of course I’ll help you move this weekend.”
Customer Service: “Of course, we can offer a refund.”

Business:“Of course, I’ll send over the report by EOD.”

Different Tones, Same Phrase

Tone	Example Sentence	Meaning
Sincere	Of course, I support your decision.	Affirmation
Sarcastic	Oh, of course, you’re late again.	Ironic remark
Polite	Of course, take your time.	Courteous reply
Assertive	Of course, this is the only solution.	Strong opinion

Common Misspellings and Auto-Correct Errors

The incorrect form “ofcourse” often pops up for a few reasons:

Why It Happens

Typing quickly on mobile where autocorrect doesn’t catch it
Non-native speakers mimicking spoken rhythm
Lack of grammar checking tools on informal platforms

How to Avoid It

Add “of course” as a custom shortcut in your keyboard settings
Use spell-check or apps like Grammarly or Hemingway
Train yourself to pause and re-read messages before hitting send

Remember: A small space makes a big difference.

Misuse in Writing: What It Says About You

Misspelling “of course” as “ofcourse” in emails, cover letters, or blogs can come off as careless or unprofessional.

Impact on Perception

Resumes: May suggest a lack of attention to detail
Business writing: Could weaken your credibility
Academic work: Risks appearing grammatically unsound

“A reader will forgive a small typo – but a consistent grammar mistake becomes a pattern.” – Style Manual for Writers

When and Where to Use ‘Of Course’ Correctly

This phrase is widely flexible but has its limits. Here’s how to use it accurately:

Correct Contexts

To affirm or agree “Of course, I’ll be there.”
To politely reassure “Of course you can borrow the book.”
To state the obvious “Of course water boils at 100°C.”

Where It Doesn’t Fit

As a substitute for a factual response: “Of course” is subjective.
To interrupt or overstate agreement: Avoid repetition.

Pro Tip

Avoid pairing it with statements where ambiguity or disagreement is involved. It may sound dismissive.

Variations of Meaning: Context Matters

The tone and placement of “of course” shift its meaning dramatically.

By Sentence Placement

Beginning: “Of course, you’re invited.” → Reassurance
Middle: “You are, of course, included.” → Emphasis
End: “You’re invited, of course.” → Affirmation

Subtle Differences

Use Case	Tone	Implied Emotion
Polite	Courteous	Respect
Enthusiastic	Warm	Encouragement
Sarcastic	Dismissive	Frustration

‘Of Course’ vs Similar Phrases

Let’s look at alternatives and see how they compare.

Phrase	Similarity	When to Use
Naturally	Very close	Interchangeable in casual speech
Certainly	Formal	Use in professional settings
Obviously	Can sound arrogant	Use carefully to avoid offending
Surely	Less common	British tone, rhetorical questions
By all means	Strong affirmation	Granting permission

Why English Learners Struggle With This Phrase

For ESL learners, “of course” seems straightforward when spoken but becomes tricky in writing.

Top Issues

Direct translations often combine words
Speech rhythm makes it sound like a single word
Informal chats lead to bad habits

Teaching Tip

Use visual aids and sentence completion exercises:

“Do you want some tea? ____!”

Options: Yes / Ofcourse / Of course ✅

Use in Literature, Film, and Pop Culture

The phrase has made its way into countless books, movies, and shows.

Examples from Pop Culture

Harry Potter: Dumbledore: “Of course it is happening inside your head…”
The Simpsons: Homer: “Of course I’m not going to wear pants.”
Marvel Movies: Tony Stark: “Of course I have a plan.”

Why It’s Used

To reinforce certainty
Add tone or irony
Create relatable dialogue

Final Tips to Remember ‘Of Course’

Quick Rules Recap

Always two words: “of” + “course”
Use for affirmation, reassurance, or obvious facts
Be mindful of tone and placement in a sentence

Memory Tricks

Think of “a course of action” → “of course” relates to that natural flow
Say it aloud: You’ll hear the gap between the words

Tools to Help You

Grammarly: Free and premium tools to catch such errors
Microsoft Editor: Native tool with spelling and grammar AI
Google Docs: Real-time suggestions for spacing and grammar

Conclusion

It may be tempting to skip over grammar and spelling in casual communication, but missteps like “ofcourse” instead of “of course” can quietly damage your credibility. Whether you’re writing an email, a novel, or a tweet, knowing the right form matters.

Use the phrase correctly, and you’ll sound polished, professional, and confident – of course.