diff --git a/gst/gstpad.c b/gst/gstpad.c
index 9636e00ff9..b9d613ec5e 100644
--- a/gst/gstpad.c
+++ b/gst/gstpad.c
@@ -2089,7 +2089,7 @@ gst_pad_link_check_compatible_unlocked (GstPad * src, GstPad * sink,
 
 done:
   GST_CAT_DEBUG (GST_CAT_CAPS, "caps are %scompatible",
-      (compatible ? "" : "not"));
+      (compatible ? "" : "not "));
 
   return compatible;
 }