When you’re learning English, you’ll find that spelling can throw you some tough puzzles. Ever wondered why we write some words one way and not another, even though they sound similar? Well, spelling in English can be tricky, and today, let’s talk about two spellings you might be puzzling over: “hitting” and “hiting.”
The correct spelling is hitting. In English, when a verb ends in a single vowel followed by a consonant, you double the consonant before adding -ing. This rule applies when the stress is on the last syllable, as in hit → hitting.
For example, when we say, “She keeps hitting the ball,” we use hitting because the action is ongoing. This rule helps maintain the pronunciation and meaning of the verb in its continuous form.
Understanding the Basics
First off, let me ask you, how often do you see words in English end with the letters “ing”? Pretty often, right? Words like running, talking, and yes, hitting. These are all actions or, as we say in grammar, verbs in their continuous form.
But why do we double the last letter in some of these words before adding “ing”? This is because of a basic rule in English spelling that might have slipped under your radar.
The Rule of Doubling
Let’s break down this rule. In English, if a word has one syllable, ends with a single vowel followed by a single consonant, and the stress is on the last syllable, you double the last consonant when adding a suffix like “ing.” Does that sound a bit too much? Let’s simplify it with an example.
Take the verb “hit.” It’s short, isn’t it? Just one syllable. It ends with the letter “t,” which is a consonant, and before “t,” what do we have? Yes, “i,” which is a vowel. Since “hit” is also stressed on its only syllable, when you add “ing,” you double the “t.” So, it becomes “hitting.”
Examples in Action
- If you run, and you keep running, you are running, not “runing.”
- When you bat in baseball and continue to do it in a game, you are batting, not “bating.”
- If you pat your dog gently and keep doing it, you are patting your dog, never “pating.”
Why Not “Hiting”?
Now that we understand why we double the consonant, let’s look at why “hiting” with one “t” is incorrect. Following our rule, the verb “hit” needs that extra “t” before the “ing” to be spelled correctly. Writing “hiting” misses the double “t,” which is key to following the English spelling rule we just discussed.
It’s like making your favorite sandwich and forgetting to put the top piece of bread on; it just doesn’t work well, right?
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many English learners face this challenge, so let’s look at some other verbs where this rule applies. Remembering these can save you from making common mistakes:
- When you stop suddenly, think of it as needing an extra “p” because you’re stopping firmly. So, you write “stopping,” not “stoping.”
- If you plan a party and keep planning, you’re not just planning; you’re “planning” with two “n”s, not “planing.” Though, “planing” is a real word, it means to shave off with a plane, totally different from making plans!
Practical Tips to Remember
Understanding why “hitting” is the correct form and “hiting” isn’t may take a bit of practice. Here’s what can help:
When you learn a new verb, try to apply this doubling rule. Say the word out loud. Does it end with a single vowel and consonant? Is it one syllable or stressed on the last syllable? Yes? Double the last consonant when adding “ing.”
It might sound simple when you catch on, but it works! Keeping a list of verbs you use often and applying the rule helps you remember better.
In a nutshell, the English language has some interesting rules that, once you understand, can make spelling easier. Think of these rules as tools in your toolbox, helping you build better sentences every day.
So, are you ready to practice more and perfect your spelling? Keep hitting those books, and watch how these little changes make a big difference in your writing. Keep your spelling sharp and have fun with it!
