Have you ever sat down to write a message and stopped right at the word naturally because you weren’t sure if an extra -l- might have sneaked in there? Or maybe you typed up, “He naturally refused,” and that red squiggly line made you pause. Which brings up a common question: is it naturally or naturaly?
The correct spelling is naturally. It is an adverb that means ‘in a natural manner’ or ‘of course’. For example, when someone does something effortlessly, you might say, “She sings so beautifully and naturally.”
Using the word incorrectly, as in ‘naturaly’, is a common mistake. Remember, adding ‘ly’ to ‘natural’ forms the adverb ‘naturally’, enhancing your English writing by showing how something is done.
Understanding the Basics
To get to the bottom of this, it helps to first understand what the word itself does in a sentence. “Naturally” is an adverb, which means it’s used to describe a verb, an adjective, or another adverb. It tells us how something happens or is done.
For instance, in the sentence, “She sings naturally,” it describes how she sings—it seems to come to her effortlessly.
The Spelling: Naturally or Naturaly?
Let’s clarify the right spelling. The correct form is naturally.
Why include the second ‘l’? It’s all about consistent spelling patterns. The adjective form of this word is “natural”. When turning this into an adverb, English generally follows a rule where you keep the original spelling of the adjective, then add “-ly” at the end. This rule keeps the spelling of ‘natural’ intact and simply adds on -ly to make it ‘naturally’.
What Happens if You Miss an ‘L’?
Misspelling naturally as naturaly by dropping an ‘l’ is a common error. It disrupts the flow and clarity of your writing. Think of ‘naturally’ like a smooth river flowing without any interruptions. Dropping an ‘l’ is like putting a dam in that river—it just doesn’t flow as smoothly.
Let’s See It in Action
Seeing examples can help clear up any confusion. Here are a few:
- He naturally understood the instructions.
- The birds flew south naturally when winter approached.
- They responded naturally to the news.
In all these cases, “naturally” modifies the verbs and explains that something was done in a natural, expected way.
Why Does It Matter?
Getting the spelling right affects the professionalism and readability of your writing. It’s like wearing a neat suit to a job interview. Just as the suit presents you well, correct spelling makes your writing look clean and proficient.
A Little Memory Trick
If you find it tricky to remember how many ‘l’s to use, here’s a simple trick. Think of the full moon, which is completely round and has two ‘l’s in the word “full”. Just like the word naturally, the fullness of the moon isn’t complete without two ‘l’s.
Why Does This Spelling Rule Exist?
English borrows this pattern from a lot of other adverbs. It helps keep things uniform. If every adverb formed from an adjective had different rules, English would be even tougher to learn!
Conclusion
To keep your writing smooth and professional, remembering this simple spelling can make a big difference. Words not only convey meanings but also reflect on the writer’s attention to detail and care. So next time you write, give a little extra thought to ensuring each word, including ‘naturally,’ is polished to perfection.
