While we put a lot of effort toward expanding our vocab, we have almost probably come across a situation where you may be staring hard at a single word, wondering if it is spelled correctly. You certainly won’t be the first or the last person to have experienced it. English is a beautifully written language. However, it does have countless mystifying words that even the most seasoned writers and avid readers tumble over. This is mostly because of letters that are silent, when missing vowels, and the ever confusing double consonants.
1. Definitely
One of the biggest spelling culprits out there! People often write “definately” or “definitely.” The confusion comes from the word’s pronunciation, where the second “i” isn’t emphasized.
How to fix it:
- Remember: “I am definite about this spelling.” The word “finite” is right there in “definitely.” Focus on that root.
- Use a mnemonic like “I will DEFINITELY FINISH it.”
2. Separate
This one’s a classic. The “a” in the middle often gets replaced with an “e,” turning it into “seperate.”
How to fix it:
- Break it down: Sep-a-rate. Imagine separating the word into its parts.
- Think of the phrase “There’s a rat in separate.” Silly? Yes. Memorable? Absolutely.
3. Embarrass
This word seems determined to embarrass everyone who attempts to spell it. People often forget the double “r” or double “s”—or both!
How to fix it:
- Think of it this way: You’ll be “RR” (really, really) “SS” (super sorry) if you spell it wrong.
- Break it into syllables: Em-bar-rass. It helps to emphasize the doubles.
4. Necessary
This tricky word often sees its “c” or “s” misplaced. Spelling it as “necessary” or “necessary” is a common slip-up.
How to fix it:
- Use this mnemonic: “A shirt has one Collar and two Sleeves.” One “c,” two “s”s.
- Picture something essential, like a “necessary” item, and associate it with this pattern.
5. Accommodate
Double trouble here! Many struggle with remembering the two “c”s and “m”s, often spelling it as “accomodate” or “accommodate.”
How to fix it:
- Think: “This word accommodates two Cs and two Ms.”
- Repeat this mantra: “Accommodate offers plenty of room for letters.”
6. Occasionally
This word’s double “occasion” and extra “l” trip up even skilled writers. Spelling it as “occasionally” or “occasionally” is a common mistake.
How to fix it:
- Remember: There’s “Occasion” occasionally, and it only needs one “l.”
- Use a rhythm: “O-C-C-A-S-I-O-N-A-L-double-L-Y.”
7. Calendar
Surprisingly simple, yet often misspelled as “calendar” or “calender.” The “-e” sound throws people off.
How to fix it:
- Think of a “calendar” as marking your “Dar” (day in the month).
- Visualize the phrase: “Calendars mark our days.”
8. Pronunciation
Here’s a tongue-twister for your fingers! Most people misspell it as “pronunciation,” adding an extra “u” where it doesn’t belong.
How to fix it:
- Break it down: Pro-nun-ciation. No extra “u” in sight.
- Imagine saying it out loud: “How do you pronounce ‘pronunciation’?”
9. Receive
The classic “i before e except after c” rule should make this word easy, but it still trips people up. Many end up spelling it as “receive” or “recieve.”
How to fix it:
- Use the rhyme: “I before E except after C.”
- Picture the word “ceive” as a receiver catching something in their hands.
10. Their/There/They’re
Okay, this one’s not just about spelling but also about usage. Mixing these up is common, even for native speakers.
How to fix it:
- Their: Possessive. Remember: “Their idea, their car.”
- There: Refers to a place. Picture pointing somewhere and saying, “Over there!”
Perfect Practice Makes Perfect And now, with the help of the tips given, it is time to practice. Consistent writing will enable you to remember the different spellings easily after some time. If you have any doubts, feel free to confirm or even use a spell checker.
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