Accidentally vs. Accidently – Which is Correct?
The correct spelling is accidentally, meaning by chance or unintentionally. Accidently is a common misspelling and should be avoided in all written communication. Remembering the correct adverbial suffix, -ally, is key to using this word accurately and maintaining grammatical precision in both formal and informal contexts.
Accidentally or Accidently – Which is Correct?
The distinction between “accidentally” and “accidently” is straightforward: only accidentally is considered correct in standard English. Accidently is a prevalent misspelling, often arising from phonetic confusion. Because the “al” sound is often unstressed and quick in spoken English, writers sometimes omit the second “l” and the “a” from the -ally suffix, leading to the incorrect -ly ending.
The Best Trick to Remember the Difference
To remember that accidentally is the correct spelling, think of the root word accident. When you add the adverbial suffix -ally to describe how something happened by accident, you retain all the letters. A simple trick is to remember that the word “really” also has two ‘l’s and ends in ‘ally’, just like “accidentally.” So, if you wouldn’t write “realy,” you shouldn’t write “accidently.”
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| accidentally | Adverb | By chance; unintentionally; without intent. | She accidentally left her keys in the car. |
| accidently | Incorrect | A common misspelling of “accidentally.” | Please do not use “accidently” in formal writing. |
How to Use Accidentally
The word accidentally is an adverb used to describe how an action occurred. It indicates that an event or action happened by chance, without deliberate intention, or unintentionally. It modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. Its tone is neutral, simply stating the manner of an action, and it is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts.
Example 1: While cleaning, he accidentally knocked over the vase.
Example 2: I accidentally sent the email to the wrong recipient.
Example 3: The two friends accidentally wore matching outfits to the party.
Etymology of the word Accidentally
The word accidentally traces its roots back to the Latin word accidens, meaning “happening” or “chance.” This evolved into Old French accident and then into Middle English accident, referring to an unforeseen event. The adverbial suffix -ally was added to form “accidentally” around the late 16th to early 17th century, transforming the noun into a word describing the manner in which an action occurred.
Related Concepts
Understanding broader grammatical concepts can help solidify why “accidentally” is the correct form and how to apply similar rules to other words.
- Adverbs: Adverbs are words that modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, providing information about how, when, where, or to what extent an action occurs. Many adverbs are formed by adding -ly or -ally to an adjective.
- Common Misspellings: Many misspellings occur due to phonetic approximations, where a word is written as it sounds rather than how it is correctly spelled. Words ending in -ally are particularly prone to this, as the “a” can be easily dropped.
- Suffixes: Suffixes are word endings that modify the meaning or grammatical function of a word. The -ally suffix is a common way to form adverbs from adjectives ending in -ic or certain nouns, indicating “in an [adjective] manner.”
Examples from Media and Literature
- “It was a pleasure to burn.” Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451. (No direct “accidentally” example, but a classic that uses precise language.)
- “I may have accidentally ordered too much pizza for the party.” – A common dialogue line from a sitcom.
- “The detective found a crucial piece of evidence that had been accidentally overlooked by the initial search team.” – From a news report on a cold case.
- “She accidentally bumped into an old friend at the grocery store, leading to a delightful reunion.” – From a contemporary romance novel.
- “The scientist accidentally mixed the wrong chemicals, resulting in an unexpected but fascinating reaction.” – From a popular science documentary.
Accidentally Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Unintentionally | Without purpose or intent. |
| Inadvertently | Without intention; by oversight; carelessly. |
| By chance | Happening without a plan or specific cause. |
| Fortuitously | Happening by chance, especially a lucky chance. |
| Mistakenly | In a way that is wrong or based on error. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Is ‘accidently’ ever considered correct in informal writing?
No, ‘accidently’ is never considered correct, even in informal writing. It is a misspelling and should be avoided to maintain grammatical accuracy and clarity.
Question 2: Why is ‘accidentally’ so often misspelled as ‘accidently’?
The misspelling often occurs because of how the word sounds when spoken quickly. The ‘a’ in the ‘-ally’ suffix can be unstressed, leading people to incorrectly assume the spelling ends in ‘-ly’ rather than ‘-ally’.
Question 3: Are there other similar words that follow the ‘accidentally’ spelling rule?
Yes, many adverbs formed from adjectives ending in ‘-ic’ follow a similar pattern, taking the ‘-ally’ suffix (e.g., ‘basically,’ ‘dramatically,’ ‘historically’). However, words like ‘publicly’ are an exception, ending in ‘-ly’. It’s always best to check if unsure.
Conclusion
In the debate between “accidentally” and “accidently,” the answer is unequivocally clear: accidentally is the only correct spelling. Accidently is a common error that detracts from the professionalism and clarity of your writing. By remembering the full adverbial suffix -ally and understanding its role in forming adverbs, you can confidently use this word correctly every time.
Pro Tip: Always proofread carefully, especially for common misspellings like “accidently.” Consistent use of correct grammar and spelling reinforces your credibility and ensures your message is conveyed effectively.
