Undoubtably vs Undoubtedly – Which is Correct?

Sarah Thompson

When we write or speak in English, choosing the right word can sometimes be tricky. You’ve probably seen both “undoubtably” and “undoubtedly” used in various texts or conversations. But which one is correct, and why does it matter?

The correct word is undoubtedly. “Undoubtably” is a common mistake, but it’s not recognized as a standard word in English. “Undoubtedly” means you are sure about something and there is no doubt left. For example, “She is undoubtedly the best choice for the team leader position.” This shows strong certainty about her suitability for the role.

Using “undoubtedly” correctly can make your English sound more fluent and confident. It’s a powerful word to express certainty, which is useful in both everyday conversations and professional discussions.

Understanding the Correct Form

First off, the word we’re looking for is undoubtedly. This term is an adverb that means ‘without doubt’ or ‘certainly’. It’s what you use when you’re about 100% sure about something.

Why “Undoubtedly”?

“Undoubtedly” is derived from the word “undoubted”, which itself comes from adding the prefix ‘un-‘ (meaning not) to “doubted” (past tense of doubt). The transformation into an adverb by adding ‘-ly’ makes it “undoubtedly.” This simple breakdown shows how the word fits together logically.

What About “Undoubtably”?

An interesting point to note is that “undoubtably” does appear sometimes in texts. However, it is considered nonstandard. This is a polite way of saying it’s incorrect in standard English usage.

Even though ‘undoubtably’ might slip into daily conversation, in formal writing and professional settings, sticking to “undoubtedly” is the best practice. Why? Because using the right words helps communicate your ideas more clearly and can make you sound more educated.

Examples in Sentences

Let’s look at how “undoubtedly” fits into some example sentences:

  • “She is undoubtedly the best player on the team.” Here, ‘undoubtedly confirms there’s no doubt she is the best.
  • “This is undoubtedly the coldest winter we’ve ever had.” In this case, ‘undoubtedly’ is used to stress the certainty of the statement.

Visualizing with Analogies

Think of “undoubtedly” as a firm handshake. It’s strong, confident, and leaves no room for doubt. On the other hand, “undoubtably” is like a weak handshake; it might do the job in casual situations but doesn’t convey the assurance or the strength.

How to Use “Undoubtedly” Correctly

To use “undoubtedly” correctly, just add it into your sentence where you need to emphasize certainty or agreement. You can use it at the start, middle, or end of a sentence.

For example:

  • Undoubtedly, we are going to see major changes in technology over the next decade.” Here it is at the start.
  • “He will undoubtedly become a great musician.” Placed in the middle, it strengthens the prediction.

Common Mistakes

Even though some words seem to float around a lot in spoken English, they might not be the best choice for writing, especially when precision and clarity are needed. Using “undoubtably” instead of “undoubtedly” is one of those common slips.

Your Takeaway

English is full of words that can sound similar but have different spellings and meanings. “Undoubtedly” being the correct adjective serves as a perfect example. Remember, using the correct word helps you become a better communicator. And now, when you hear or see “undoubtably” and “undoubtedly,” you’ll know exactly why one makes the cut and the other doesn’t. Isn’t clear communication great?

So, next time you’re writing an email or an essay, or perhaps chatting with friends, feel confident using “undoubtedly” to make your point without a shred of doubt!

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