In the world of English writing, even a single letter can change the meaning of a word entirely. Today, we delve into the proper use of the adverb legally, versus the common misspelling legaly. Is there a right way to spell it? This discussion could save you from making a mistake that many learners face.
The correct spelling is legally. The word “legally” means in accordance with the law. When adding “-ly” to the adjective “legal” to make an adverb, you keep the original spelling and simply add “-ly”.
For example, if you sign a contract, it should be done legally to ensure it’s valid. This means the signing follows the law and is officially recognized.
Understanding ‘Legally’
Let’s chat about how we use the word ‘legally’. Do you ever wonder why English is so peculiar at times, especially when it comes to spelling? Well, ‘legally’ is one good example. It might surprise you how adding just an “l” or missing it can make a big difference.
The Right Spelling: ‘Legally’ or ‘Legaly’?
First things first, the correct spelling for the word is ‘legally’. This word needs two “l”s in the middle and ends with a final “y”. It’s like when you need both gloves on a chilly day; leaving one out just doesn’t work right.
On the other hand, ‘legaly’ with one “l” is a common misspelling. In English, when we form an adverb from an adjective by adding “ly,” sometimes we double the consonant before it. This rule may seem like a tricky puzzle, but once you get the hang of it, it’s pretty straightforward!
Why the Confusion?
Why do people get mixed up? Well, in many adjectives, especially those ending in “l,” doubling the “l” before adding the “ly” is the way to go. It’s like the word ‘full’ turning into ‘fully’. Yet, not every word follows this pattern, which can indeed be confusing!
Rules for Doubling the Consonant
There are a few simple rules when it comes to doubling the last letter of a word in English. If the word ends with a consonant, and the last syllable is stressed and followed by a vowel, we double the consonant. For instance, ‘begin’ becomes ‘beginning’.
In the case of ‘legal,’ although it ends in “l,” the stress is not on the last syllable. Therefore, we do not double the “l” when just adding an “s” as in ‘legals’. However, when turning ‘legal’ into ‘legally’, we double the “l” to maintain the clear “l” sound throughout.
Examples to Illustrate
Let’s look at some examples to clear things up. You can say:
- “She acted legally in her dealings with the company.”
- “The document needs to be signed legally to be valid.”
- “He’s required to handle these matters legally.”
Each of these sentences shows how ‘legally’ is used to describe an action that complies with the law.
Helpful Tips for Remembering
Struggling to remember when to double the consonant? Think about it as making sure the word stands strong on its own. By doubling the ‘l’ in ‘legal’ to make ‘legally,’ you help the word carry its full meaning, just like pillars support a building.
Grammar and Usage
When you use ‘legally’ in a sentence, you’re dealing with an adverb. ‘Legally’ changes the verb, describing how something is done. So, when someone acts ‘legally,’ their actions are within the bounds of the law.
Why is Mastery Important?
Why should you care so much about spelling this word right? Well, using words correctly is key to being understood. Imagine you’re building a model car. Each piece must fit perfectly, or else the whole car won’t work. The same goes for using the right letters in words.
In conclusion, mastering the use of ‘legally’, along with countless other English words, ensures you’re understood and paints you as a careful communicator. Remember, the English language may have its quirks, but with practice, you will get better at navigating them!
