Transferrable vs. Transferable – Which is Correct?
The correct spelling is transferable. The spelling “transferrable” is a common misspelling and should be avoided in all formal and professional writing. Transferable refers to something that can be moved, handed over, or applied from one context to another, such as skills or property.
Transferrable or Transferable – Which is Correct?
When deciding between “transferrable” and “transferable,” the answer is clear: transferable is the universally accepted and correct spelling in both American and British English. “Transferrable” is considered a common misspelling. This error often arises from a misunderstanding of how suffixes like “-able” are appended to root words, especially those ending in ‘r’. While some words double the ‘r’ (e.g., “referring,” “preferred”), “transfer” does not follow this pattern when forming the adjective “transferable.”
The Best Trick to Remember the Difference
To remember the correct spelling, think of the root word “transfer” and the suffix “able” as two distinct parts. When you combine “transfer” with “able,” there’s no need to add an extra ‘r’. Simply join them: “transfer” + “able” = “transferable.” You can also associate the single ‘r’ in “transferable” with its direct meaning: the ability to transfer something directly, without any extra steps or letters.
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| transferable | Adjective | Able to be transferred or moved from one place, person, or situation to another. | Her administrative skills are highly transferable to any office environment. |
| transferrable | Misspelling | An incorrect spelling of ‘transferable’. | Avoid using the spelling transferrable in formal documents. |
How to Use Transferable
The adjective “transferable” describes anything that can be moved, assigned, or applied from one context to another. It is a highly versatile word used across various fields, including education, finance, law, and human resources. It typically implies the capability of an item, skill, or right to be shifted to a different owner, location, or application. Its tone is neutral and professional, making it suitable for all types of communication.
Example 1: “Her strong communication and problem-solving abilities are highly transferable skills that will benefit any team.”
Example 2: “The concert tickets were non-transferable, meaning only the original purchaser could use them.”
Example 3: “Many universities offer credits that are transferable to other institutions, facilitating student mobility.”
What are the different forms of transferable?
“Transferable” is an adjective. While adjectives themselves do not have verb tenses or noun plurals, they can sometimes be used in comparative or superlative forms, though this is less common for “transferable.” The noun form derived from “transferable” is transferability, which refers to the quality or state of being transferable.
- Comparative: More transferable (e.g., “These skills are more transferable than those.”)
- Superlative: Most transferable (e.g., “Critical thinking is one of the most transferable skills.”)
- Noun Form: Transferability (e.g., “The transferability of the license was a key concern.”)
Etymology of the word transferable
The word “transferable” has its roots in Latin. It combines the Latin verb transferre, meaning “to carry across” or “to bring over” (from trans, “across” + ferre, “to carry”), with the Old French suffix -able (from Latin -abilis), which means “capable of” or “worthy of.” Thus, “transferable” literally means “capable of being carried across.” Its usage in English dates back to the 17th century.
Related Concepts
Understanding broader linguistic and grammatical concepts can help solidify why “transferable” is the correct spelling and how such words are formed.
- Suffixes: Understanding how suffixes like “-able” are added to root words is crucial. Generally, when adding “-able” to a word ending in a single consonant preceded by a vowel (CVC pattern), the consonant is doubled only if the final syllable is stressed (e.g., “refer” -> “referring”). “Transfer” has the stress on the first syllable, so the ‘r’ is not doubled when adding “-able.”
- Etymology: Examining the origin of words often clarifies their standard spellings. The Latin roots of “transfer” and the suffix “-able” indicate a direct combination, without a historical basis for doubling the ‘r’.
Examples from Media and Literature
Observing “transferable” in various contexts highlights its correct usage and meaning.
- “In today’s dynamic job market, employers highly value transferable skills like adaptability and teamwork.” – Forbes
- “The author argued that many narrative techniques from fiction are surprisingly transferable to effective business communication.” – Harvard Business Review
- “These loyalty points are non-transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash.” – Terms and conditions of a major airline.
- “He possessed a rare kind of charisma that was universally transferable, captivating audiences from all walks of life.” – A contemporary novel.
- “The legal document stipulated that the deed was fully transferable upon the heir’s 18th birthday.” – A legal drama screenplay.
Transferable Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Assignable | Capable of being assigned or transferred to another person or entity. |
| Exchangeable | Able to be exchanged for something else. |
| Negotiable | Able to be transferred or assigned to another party, especially a financial instrument. |
| Conveyable | Capable of being conveyed or transported from one place to another. |
| Transmittable | Able to be transmitted or passed on. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Why is ‘transferrable’ sometimes seen?
The spelling ‘transferrable’ is a common phonetic misspelling, often arising from confusion with other words that double consonants before suffixes (e.g., ‘referring’). However, ‘transferable’ is the established and correct form according to standard English spelling rules.
Question 2: Does the spelling ‘transferrable’ have any specific regional use?
No, ‘transferrable’ is not a standard regional variant. While some older or less formal texts might occasionally feature it, ‘transferable’ is the dominant and preferred spelling globally, including in British English-speaking regions where spelling variations are sometimes more common.
Question 3: What is the noun form of ‘transferable’?
The noun form is ‘transferability’, which refers to the quality or state of being transferable. For example, “The transferability of these academic credits is crucial for students moving between universities.”
Conclusion
In the debate between “transferrable” and “transferable,” the correct and universally accepted spelling is definitively transferable. The extra ‘r’ in “transferrable” is a common misspelling that should be avoided in all written communication. Remembering the simple rule that “transfer” directly combines with “able” will ensure you always use the correct form.
Pro Tip: Using the correct spelling for words like “transferable,” especially in professional documents, resumes, or academic writing, demonstrates attention to detail and enhances your credibility. A single misspelling can detract from the professionalism of your work.
