Control vs Controll – Which is Correct?

Sarah Thompson

When it comes to writing and speaking English successfully, knowing which words to use and how to spell them is crucial. Have you ever been unsure about whether to write “control” or “controll”? Well, let’s clear up this confusion right away!

The correct spelling is control. “Controll” is a common misspelling and should not be used. The word “control” means to exercise restraint or direction over something or someone. For example, “She has excellent control over her emotions.”

Understanding this helps in both writing and speaking English accurately. Using the correct form demonstrates a good grasp of English vocabulary, which is crucial in professional and everyday settings.

Understanding the Basics: What’s the Deal?

First off, the correct spelling for the word is control. On paper, it might sometimes get mistakenly doubled at the end, leading to “controll”. But why does this mistake happen, and how can you be sure not to make it? Let’s dig into this.

Why “Control”?

The word comes from the Middle French word “contrôler”, which means to check or regulate. When words from other languages are adopted into English, their spelling often changes slightly.

The English version settled on “control” with a single “l”. Adding an extra “l” doesn’t adhere to any general spelling rules in English. Are you wondering when we double letters in words and when we don’t? Let’s look at that next.

When Do We Double Letters?

Doubling a letter in English usually occurs for a few reasons. Here are some quick rules:

  • If a word has a short vowel sound right before the last consonant, we often double the consonant when adding an ending, like in the word ‘swimming’ (swim + ing).
  • If the stress in a multi-syllable word falls on the last syllable and it ends in a single vowel followed by a single consonant, you double the consonant before a suffix beginning with a vowel, like in ‘referred’ (refer + ed).

However, in the word “control”, neither of these rules would cause us to double the “l”. The stress is not on the last syllangle, and it doesn’t follow a short vowel.

Common Mistakes and Confusions

Sometimes, people may accidentally add an extra “l” based on how they pronounce the word. Depending on where someone is from, their accent might make it sound like there are two “l”s at the end of “control”. This is why spelling it correctly is important—it maintains clarity and understanding.

Why Spelling Matters

Think about the vast number of words in English. Your ability to use them correctly showcases your knowledge and helps you communicate effectively. Misspelling a word can change the message or confuse the person you’re talking to. Imagine writing instructions that contain spelling errors; the instructions could be misunderstood!

Examples to Help You Remember

Here are some sentences using the word “control”. Notice how using it correctly makes each sentence clear:

  • She took control of the situation before it escalated.
  • Having good self-control is key to managing your emotions.
  • Remote control devices make it easier to operate appliances from a distance.

Each time, “control” fits perfectly without needing any adjustments to its spelling.

How Can You Avoid Spelling Mistakes?

Reading widely and writing often are two of the best ways to get better at spelling. The more you see words used in different contexts, the easier it is to remember how to spell them. Here’s another idea: keep a list of words that you find tricky and review them regularly. It’s like keeping a personal dictionary!

Conclusion

Always remember, mastering the spelling of words like “control” can boost your credibility and effectiveness in communication. Doesn’t it feel good to get things right?

Next time you’re writing and you pause to wonder about “control” or “controll”, you’ll know exactly which to use. How has learning about this word helped you? Can you think of other words that often get misspelled?

Keep practicing, and always check your spelling—it makes all the difference!

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