Have you ever stared at your screen and wondered if you should type “accidently” or “accidentally”? You are not alone.
This is a very common spelling problem. Many people search for the right answer every single day. The confusion happens because both words look and sound so similar. One has an extra “a” in the middle, and one does not.
Which one is correct? In this guide, we will clear up the confusion once and for all. You will learn the clear difference between these two spellings. We will show you the correct word to use. We will also give you simple tricks to remember it forever.
By the end, you will never make this spelling mistake again.
Accidently or Accidentally – Quick Answer
The correct spelling is accidentally. This is the standard spelling. It is used in formal writing. The spelling accidently is a common misspelling. It is not considered correct by most experts. For example, you should write: “I accidentally spilled my coffee.” You should not write: “I accidently spilled my coffee” .
Key Difference Between Accidently or Accidentally
The key difference is that one is correct and one is not. Let’s look at a quick comparison.
- “Accidentally” is correct.
- “Accidently” is a misspelling .
- “Accidentally” follows a standard spelling rule.
- “Accidently” drops a letter it should not.
- Always use “accidentally” in your writing .
Here is a table to show the differences side-by-side.
Is Accidently Correct or Incorrect?
The simple answer is “incorrect.” Most dictionaries and style guides list “accidently” as a misspelling. It is not the standard form. While some older sources might list it, it is now seen as a mistake . You should avoid using it in any kind of writing. This includes emails, school work, and professional reports. To be safe, always choose “accidentally” .
Why Do People Confuse Accidently or Accidentally?
People confuse these words for a few simple reasons.
- Pronunciation: We often say the word quickly. It can sound like “accident-ly” instead of “accident-ally.” So, we write it how we think it sounds .
- Following the Noun: The noun is “accident.” People think the adverb should just be “accident” + “ly.” They forget the “a” from “accidental” .
- Seen It Before: Some people have seen the misspelling used by others. They think it is okay. This is a common mistake .
The Origin of Accidently or Accidentally
Both words come from the word “accident.” This word came into English in the 14th century. It comes from Latin. The Latin word is cadere, which means “to fall” . The word “accident” meant an event that happens by chance. The adjective form is “accidental.” We add “-ly” to adjectives to make adverbs. This is how we got “accidentally.” It follows the standard rule. The shorter “accidently” is just a mistake people made by trying to shorten the word .
British English vs American English Spelling
Is there a difference between British and American English? No. Both use the same correct spelling: accidentally. This is not like “colour” and “color.” The spelling is the same everywhere . Both British and American dictionaries list “accidentally” as the correct spelling . The misspelling “accidently” is an error in both forms of English.
| English Version | Correct Spelling |
|---|---|
| American English | accidentally |
| British English | accidentally |
| Canadian English | accidentally |
| Australian English | accidentally |
Which Spelling Should You Use?
You should always use “accidentally.” This is the safest and most correct choice. Here is a simple guide based on who you are writing for.
For US Audience
Use “accidentally.” This is the standard spelling in the United States .
For UK/Commonwealth Audience
Use “accidentally.” This is also the standard spelling in the UK, Australia, and Canada .
For Global/SEO Writing
Use “accidentally.” Search engines like Google expect the correct spelling. Using “accidently” could make your content look less professional .
How to Pronounce Accidently and Accidentally
Both words are pronounced in a very similar way. The proper pronunciation is: ak-si-DEN-tuh-lee . Many speakers shorten this in everyday speech. They might say “ak-si-DENT-lee.” This fast pronunciation is why people get confused about the spelling. However, the spelling “accidentally” matches the full, correct pronunciation.
Formal vs Informal Usage of Accidentally
“Accidentally” is the correct word in all situations. There is no difference between formal and informal use.
- Academic writing: Use “accidentally.” For example: “The experiment was accidentally ruined.”
- Business communication: Use “accidentally.” For example: “I accidentally sent the wrong file.”
- Casual conversation: You can use “accidentally” in speaking and in texts. For example: “I accidentally liked your old photo on Instagram.”
Common Mistakes with Accidently or Accidentally
People make a few common mistakes with this word. Here are the most frequent ones.
1: Using “Accidently” in a Sentence
- Incorrect example: “I accidently deleted my work.”
- Correct example: “I accidentally deleted my work.”
- Short explanation: “Accidently” is a misspelling. It is not the correct word .
2: Confusing “By Accident” and “On Accident”
- Incorrect example: “I did it on accident.”
- Correct example: “I did it by accident.”
- Short explanation: The correct phrase is “by accident.” Some people say “on accident” by mistake. It is similar to the problem with “accidently” .
Accidentally in Everyday Examples
Here are examples of how to use “accidentally” in different situations. This will help you see how the word is used in real life.
In Emails
- “I am sorry, I accidentally attached the wrong document to my previous email.”
In News
- “The company accidentally released private customer information.”
In Social Media
In Formal Writing
- “The pilot accidentally disabled the autopilot system, which caused the incident.”
Simple Rule to Remember
Here are a few easy rules to remember the correct spelling.
- Think of the Adjective: The adjective is “accidental.”
- Add “-ly”: Just add “-ly” to the end of “accidental.” accidental + ly = accidentally .
- Find the “A”: Remember, you need an “a” before the “-lly.” It is accident-a-lly. Think of the word “all” inside it .
Google Trends & Usage Data
Data shows that “accidentally” is much more common than “accidently.” It is used more in every English-speaking country. According to one source, “accidentally” is used about 56 times more often than “accidently” . It is the preferred spelling in professional and academic writing . The misspelling appears sometimes in informal writing, but it is still considered an error.
Related Grammar Terms You Should Know
Here are some related grammar terms. Knowing them can help you spell words correctly.
- Adverb: A word that describes a verb, adjective, or another adverb. “Accidentally” is an adverb .
- Adjective: A word that describes a noun. “Accidental” is an adjective .
- Suffix: A letter or group of letters added to the end of a word. “-ly” is a suffix .
FAQs
Is “accidently” a real word?
“Accidently” is a common misspelling. It is not considered a standard word. You should avoid using it .
What is the difference between “accidentally” and “accidently”?
“Accidentally” is the correct spelling. “Accidently” is a misspelling. Always use “accidentally” in your writing .
How do I remember how to spell accidentally?
Think of the word “accidental.” Just add “-ly” to the end. It is accident-a-lly. Keep the “a” before the “-lly” .
Is it “by accident” or “on accident”?
The correct phrase is “by accident.” For example, “I broke the glass by accident.” “On accident” is a common mistake .
Is “accidently” used in the UK?
No. “Accidently” is a misspelling in all forms of English. It should be avoided in the UK, the US, and everywhere else .
What are synonyms of accidentally?
Some synonyms are: unintentionally, inadvertently, and by chance .
Is “accidentaly” correct?
No, this is another common misspelling. The correct spelling is “accidentally” .
Conclusion
The choice is clear. The correct word is “accidentally.” Use “accidently” is a mistake. When you want to say something was not on purpose, choose “accidentally.”
This is the best choice for all writing. It is the standard spelling. It is used in dictionaries and by experts. You can feel confident using it in emails, reports, and school papers.
To remember the rule, just think of the root word “accidental.” Add “-ly” and keep all the letters. It is a simple rule that will help you avoid this common spelling error forever.
