A1noun1K

Spelling

UK /["/ˈspelɪŋ/"]/US /["/ˈspelɪŋ/"]/

Definition

the act of forming words correctly from individual letters; the ability to do this

In simple words: The way letters are put together to form words.

Examples

  • the differences between British and American spelling
  • In American spelling ‘travelled’ only has one ‘l’.
  • My spelling is terrible.
  • a spelling mistake/error
  • There are guides to correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
  • a list of difficult spellings
  • variant spellings
  • The document uses the British spelling for caesium.
  • The composer's great-grandfather changed the spelling of his name from Greig to Grieg.

Usage notes

Used in both formal and informal contexts. Commonly found in educational settings. Not typically used in casual conversation unless discussing writing or language skills.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'spell' and 'ring' - when you spell words, it’s like casting a magical ring of letters.

Collocations

  • correct
  • incorrect
  • conventional
  • use
  • check
  • correct
  • error
  • mistake
  • bee
  • in … spelling
  • spelling for
  • spelling of
  • be good, bad, etc. at spelling
  • correct
  • incorrect
  • conventional
  • use
  • check
  • correct
  • error
  • mistake
  • bee
  • in … spelling
  • spelling for
  • spelling of
  • be good, bad, etc. at spelling

Synonyms

  • orthography
  • lettering
  • writing

Antonyms

  • mispronunciation
  • illiteracy

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'spelling' with 'spellings', which refers to different forms of a word.
  • Omitting the second 'l' in 'spelling'.
  • Using 'spelling' as a verb instead of its noun form.