When you hear words that sound alike, it’s easy to get confused. Think about “flexible” and “flexable.” Do both of these sound right to you? Let’s dig a little deeper and find out which one you should be using.
The correct spelling is flexible. “Flexable” is a common misspelling and is not recognized in English dictionaries. The adjective flexible means capable of bending easily without breaking, or able to be easily modified to respond to altered circumstances.
For example, you might say, “This schedule is flexible, so we can adjust our meeting time if necessary.” This shows that the schedule can change easily, accommodating different times as needed.
Understanding the Right Usage
First off, you need to know that only one of these two words is actually correct. Which one do you think it is? If you guessed “flexible,” you’re right! Lots of times, we might hear something that sounds like it could be a word, but it’s important to check.
Why “Flexible” is Correct
Flexible comes from the Latin word “flexibilis,” which means capable of being bent. It makes sense, right? Something that is flexible can bend easily without breaking. It’s a word that you can use in different situations.
Why There is Confusion
Now you might wonder, why do some people say “flexable”? Often, it’s just a mistake. They might not know the correct form, or they could have just heard it wrong. It happens to all of us sometimes.
Examples of How to Use “Flexible”
Understanding through examples is like learning to ride a bike with training wheels; it gives you the support you need. Let’s look at some sentences:
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Anna is very flexible; she can adapt to changes at work with ease.
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Have you seen how flexible the schedule is? We can pretty much come in whenever we want in the morning.
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Paul’s thinking is really flexible—he can come up with ideas on the spot.
These sentences show how “flexible” can be used to describe different types of flexibility, not just physical.
The Importance of Flexibility
Imagine if you had a ruler that wouldn’t bend. What would happen if you tried to bend it? It would snap, right? The same concept applies to being flexible in life. Being able to adapt makes things a lot easier. It’s like being able to bend without breaking.
Misheard Words and Mistakes
So, why do some people still use “flexable”? It’s a common mistake, kind of like when you mishear a song lyric. Maybe, it’s easier to say for some, or perhaps they saw it written incorrectly somewhere else.
Learning the Right Way
Have you ever drawn a picture by connecting the dots? Learning correct word usage is a bit like that. You gather the right pieces of information, and then you connect them to see the big picture.
Thanks to books, teachers, and helpful tools like spell check, learning correct English can be simpler. Every time you use a tool to check your work, it’s like having a teacher right there to guide you.
Putting it All Together
By now, you should see why “flexible” is the right word to use. It’s good to ask questions if you’re unsure. Asking questions is like putting up a hand in class—it shows you want to learn more.
What’s an easy way to remember the correct spelling? Just remind yourself that “flexible” and “possible” both share a similar ending. If you can spell one, you can spell the other!
Remember, the more you practice, the better you’ll get. It’s just like learning to shoot hoops; the more you shoot, the more baskets you’ll make. So keep using that word “flexible” in your sentences!
In summary, “flexible” is the correct word, and “flexable” is a mistake that some people make without realizing it. Paying attention and practicing can help clear up these little errors. How do you think knowing the correct word will help you in the future?
By sorting out these small details, you’re building a strong foundation in your language skills. Good for you for taking that step.
