When learning a new language, spelling can really trip you up sometimes, right? English is especially tricky because it borrows words from so many other languages. Let’s deal with a common mix-up: whether to use “intelligent” or “inteligent.”
The correct spelling is intelligent. The word intelligent comes from the Latin root “intelligere,” meaning “to understand.” It is commonly misspelled as “inteligent” by omitting one ‘l’. Always remember to include both ‘l’s when spelling the word.
For example, you might say, “She is highly intelligent and excels in her studies.” This use shows that ‘intelligent’ describes someone with high mental capacity and good understanding or knowledge.
Understanding the Correct Spelling
First, let’s get this out of the way: the right way to spell the word is with two letter “L”s, so it’s “intelligent.” Why is that? You might think, isn’t one “L” just as good? Well, not exactly.
Why Double “L”?
English has many rules, and also many exceptions, which can be rather confusing. The word “intelligent” comes from Latin, like many words in English. In Latin, the word was originally spelled with two “L”s. When it moved over to English, it kept that spelling.
Breaking Down the Word
Let’s look closer at “intelligent.” It’s made up of different parts, including the root “intellect” and a suffix that in this case is “-ent.” In English, if a root word (like “intellect”) ends with “L,” adding a suffix usually means we keep the double “L.” This helps maintain the clear pronunciation.
Common Mistakes
Perhaps you’re thinking, why do people get it wrong sometimes? Mistakes happen often in English because of how it sounds. Our ears play tricks on us! When we say “intelligent,” the double “L” might not seem necessary because the second “L” doesn’t get much emphasis.
When Mishearings Happen
If you mishear something, you might spell it incorrectly. That’s why hearing a word and writing it down can lead to mistakes. In English, this happens a lot because it’s not a completely phonetic language. This means words aren’t always spelled the way they sound.
How to Remember the Correct Spelling
Now, how can you ensure you remember to use two “L”s in “intelligent”? Think about this: An intelligent person always ‘tells’ (like in ‘tell’) twice. See that word “tell” in the middle of intelligent? It’s like it has two “L”s as well. This type of trick can help remind you.
Practice Makes Perfect
Try using the word often in your writing. Here are some examples:
- She is highly intelligent and performs well in her studies.
- An intelligent debate requires understanding both sides of the argument.
- Jane added some intelligent humor to her speech, which impressed everyone.
Watch Out for Autocorrect
A little side note: Don’t always rely on autocorrect. It’s a helpful tool, surely, but sometimes it might correct to the wrong spellings based on your past mistakes. Always double-check if you are unsure.
More Help
If remembering tricky spellings isn’t your strong suit, don’t worry. There are plenty of tools online to help you. You can use spell checkers or word processors that highlight mistakes. They are handy and help you fix errors instantly.
The Role of Variants
Do you ever wonder if British and American English use different spellings here? Well, for the word intelligent, they’re the same in both forms of English.
In English, consistency is key, especially in academic and professional settings. Spelling a word correctly shows that you pay attention to details and respect your reader. It’s more than just about right and wrong; it’s about communicating effectively and showing that you care.
So, next time when you write, remember that little bit extra effort goes a long way. Think of that double “L”—it’s a small addition but makes all the difference in making your communication clear and intelligent!
