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.