When you’re writing or speaking, choosing the right word can make all the difference. Have you ever been typing quickly and gotten stuck on how to spell a word like “completely”? It might seem tricky, especially when similar-looking variations pop into your head.
The correct spelling is completely. The word “completly” is a common misspelling and should be avoided in formal and informal writing. “Completely” means fully or entirely. For example, when you say, “I completely agree with you,” it means you agree with the other person’s point without any reservations.
Using the correct form enhances clarity and professionalism in your communication. It’s important to always double-check your spelling, especially with adverbs like “completely,” to ensure your message is clear and well-received.
Understanding the Correct Spelling
First things first, the correct spelling is “completely.” You might see “completly” pop up as a suggestion or even in informal texts. But remember, “completely” with two ‘e’s is always the way to go.
Why the confusion, though? It mainly comes from how we talk. When we say “completely” out loud, that second ‘e’ often gets swallowed up in our haste. So, we might think it’s not there when we write it down!
Breaking It Down
Think of it like this: if you’re filling a glass of water to the top, you make sure it’s complete, right? Now, think about when everything is totally finished – that’s ‘completely’ done. The word itself fills up with that extra ‘e’ to make sure the meaning is totally full and clear.
Why Does This Spelling Matter?
Using the right spelling helps you look more polished and professional. It’s just like ironing your clothes before a big meeting. You wouldn’t want to show up with a shirt half-done, right?
Whether it’s an email, a job application, or even a message to a friend, sticking to the correct spelling shows that you’re careful and you pay attention to detail.
Common Mistakes in Spelling
Lots of words in English look or sound similar but have different meanings or spellings; ‘completely’ is just one example. Here are a few more:
- “Definitely” vs. “Definately”: A common mistake is ‘definately,’ but keep in mind, it’s always with an ‘i’.
- “Necessary” vs. “Necesary”: Remember it has one ‘c’ but two ‘s’s.
- “Accidentally” vs. “Accidently”: This one catches lots of people off guard. Always include that extra ‘al’ before the ‘ly’.
Examples in Sentences
Let’s see how to use “completely” in a sentence correctly:
- “She completely understood the instructions and had no questions.”
- “The room was completely dark, without a single light on.”
- “He cleaned the kitchen so well, it was completely spotless.”
Each example shows total completion or an entire action, which is exactly what ‘completely’ indicates.
Tips to Remember the Correct Spelling
How can you stop making this mistake? Here’s a little trick: think of the ‘complete’ in ‘completely.’ It’s not just ‘complet’ – you need the whole part to make it correct.
You can also use autocorrect tools as a prompt, but try to memorize the right form. Over time, it will become natural.
Quirky Ways to Practice
Getting this word down can be fun, too. Why not challenge a friend to a spelling bee? It can be a fun game to see who spells tricky words correctly. You’ll laugh and learn at the same time.
Another way is to find a pen pal. Writing letters might seem old-fashioned, but it’s a great way to practice spelling. Plus, you get the joy of receiving something in the mail!
Closing Thoughts
Remember, practicing regularly and paying attention to these little details can make a big difference in how others perceive your writing. Next time you want to express completeness, ensure you’re reaching for ‘completely’ with that essential second ‘e’!
Happy writing! Keep these tips in mind, and soon picking the right word will be a breeze!
