More commonly misspelled English words

Charlotte Guest
A student writingon a paper with other students doing the same in the background
Reading time: 3 minutes

Spelling can often feel like navigating a maze. But fear not, for you are not alone in this quest. Whether you're a fluent speaker or learning English as a second language, the challenge of spelling is universal.

Yet, just as heroes rise to conquer their foes, you too can triumph over misspelled words. With dedication and the right tools, you'll soon find yourself spelling with confidence and ease. Carrying on from our previous post, 'The most commonly misspelled words in English', let's explore more commonly misspelled words and empower ourselves with the knowledge to spell them correctly.

More commonly misspelt words
Play
Privacy and cookies

By watching, you agree ÃÛÌÒapp can share your viewership data for marketing and analytics for one year, revocable by deleting your cookies.

Commonly misspelled words and their correct spellings

1. Apparent not apparunt

This word is often misspelled due to its pronunciation. Remember, it's 'apparent' with an 'e' in the middle.

2. Calendar not calender

The 'a' in 'calendar' is crucial. Think of marking important dates on your calendar to remember this one.

3. Conscience not conscence

Your conscience guides you, so let it guide your spelling too. The 'science' in 'conscience' can help you remember the correct form.

4. Dilemma not dilemna

Although it sounds like it has an 'n', 'dilemma' is spelled with two m's. Picture yourself facing a dilemma to recall this spelling.

5. Existence not existance

The 'e' in 'existence' is essential. Imagine the existence of life to keep this spelling in mind.

6. Grateful not greatful

While gratitude is great, the correct spelling is 'grateful'. Remember, 'grateful' comes from the word 'gratitiude'.Ìý

7. Indispensable not indispensible

This word is indispensable in your vocabulary, and it ends with '-able', not '-ible'.

8. Maintenance not maintenence

Maintenance requires attention, just like its spelling. The 'a' in the middle is key.

9. Occurrence not occurance

Double 'c' and double 'r' make 'occurrence' a word to remember. Think of frequent occurrences to get it right.

10. Perseverance not perserverance

Perseverance is about persistence, and it has 'sever' in the middle rather than 'server'. Keep pushing forward with the correct spelling.

11. Privilege not priviledge

It's a privilege to spell this word correctly, this word has no 'd'.

12. Recommend not recomend

When you recommend something, remember the double 'm' in the middle.

13. Separate not seperate

This word often trips people up, but remember the phrase 'separate a rate' to remind you it’s an 'a' before the 'rate'.

14. Vacuum not vaccuum

The silent 'u' in 'vacuum' is important. Picture a vacuum cleaner to recall this spelling.

15. Visible not visable

Visibility is key, and 'visible' ends with '-ible', not '-able'.
Ìý

Improving your spelling is a rewarding endeavor that requires practice and patience. While spell-checkers are helpful, they don't replace the value of learning and understanding the correct spelling.

Remember these strategies:

  • Practice regularly: Write down commonly misspelled words and practice spelling them correctly. Repetition is your ally in mastering spelling.
  • Use mnemonics: Create memorable associations or rhymes to help you remember tricky spellings.Ìý
  • Engage with language learning tools: Apps like offer spelling exercises and lessons that reinforce correct spelling from the start.

Remember, every step you take towards better spelling is a step towards greater confidence in your language skills. Embrace the challenge, celebrate your progress and empower yourself with the knowledge to spell accurately. Your dedication will lead you to spelling success, one word at a time.

Read our blog posts 'English tongue twisters to test your English skills' and 'English words and slang terms you should know'.

More blogs from ÃÛÌÒapp

  • A woman sat on a sofa with her eyes closed relaxing and medidating

    Improving wellbeing: Language learning with all five senses

    By Charlotte Guest
    Reading time: 3 minutes

    Language learning does not just help us communicate better; it also opens up pathways to personal growth and well-being. By engaging all five senses in the learning process, you can elevate your experience, making it more immersive and enriching. The association of senses can also make it easier to remember words, giving you an excuse to take some time for yourself while still giving you a way of passive learning. Here’s how tapping into your senses can foster wellness through language learning.

  • Two friends smiling at a person in front of them

    Exploring common English homophones

    By Charlotte Guest
    Reading time: 4 minutes

    Navigating the tricky world of homophones can be challenging, especially for English learners. This guide aims to clarify some of the most common homophones and their meanings, helping you use them correctly in your writing.

    What is a homophone?

    A homophone is a word that is pronounced the same as another word but differs in meaning and often in spelling. Homophones can create confusion in writing since they sound identical, yet their meanings and spellings can vary largely. For instance, "pair" refers to a set of two, while "pear" is a type of fruit. Understanding homophones is essential for mastering both written and spoken English, as misuse can lead to misunderstandings.

  • Two friends stood over a book in a library reading it and smiling

    Why are English days named what they are?

    By Charlotte Guest
    Reading time: 4 minutes

    Ever wondered why Monday is called Monday or how Wednesday got its name? The names of the days of the week in English have fascinating origins, rooted in ancient history and steeped in mythology. Understanding these origins not only enriches our language ability but also provides intriguing insights into cultural heritage.