Orthography is the set of conventions for writing a language. In English, it covers how we spell words, use capital letters, and show where words begin and end. In a broad sense, it also includes punctuation.
What English orthography covers
- Spelling. Write and right sound alike for many speakers. Their spellings distinguish the words on the page.
- Capitalization. May names a month, while may can express possibility.
- Word division. Check in is two words when used as a verb. The hyphenated form check-in can be a noun, as in Hotel check-in begins at three.
When spelling conventions vary
US English commonly uses color, and UK English commonly uses colour. Both spellings represent the same word. Use the convention expected by your readers or named in your style guide, and apply it consistently. See language mechanics for a practical editing check.
