how to spell: definitely

howtospell.co.uk/how-to-spell-20-misspelled-wor… it's definitely ideal for both British and American English users. Definitely is definitely a great word but it's definitely a devil to spell, and is in the top ten of most misspelled words by native speakers. It's definitely a useful word to spell along with its relations definite, indefinite, indefinitely

Hi there this is Joanne from www.howtospell.co.uk and we're going to look at some strategies to help us remember how to spell definitely.

Which is the correct spelling? The trouble with these multiple choice quizzes is you think you know the spelling then they throw in a spelling that looks so right (but by using memory tricks and strategies you can pick the correct one). Pronunciation won't help.
a. definately
b. definetely
c. definitely
d. definitly

Got the answer?

definitely √

Let's break the word down into a prefix, root word and suffix - what are they?
What's the root word?
prefix + root word + suffix
de + finite + ly

definite + ly

or break it into syllables - slowly and exaggerated

def / in/ ite / ly

A good strategy that beatingdyslexia.com recommend is seeing vowels in words. Notice the i's + a word within a word - "in it"
and see the e's either side of 'in it'.

def in it ely

memory trick definite

write it definitely in it

or see the letter pattern -ite: bite write kite definite* (*different unstressed "ite" ending so exaggerate it)

Use whatever works for you, no matter how crazy.

Good spellers use these tricks all the time to help them.
You must work at and study spelling -
notice it, think about it, question it and take notes.

Taking notes, writing your thoughts, and questioning helps
to boost your retention/remembering by 50%
And, of course, you must write and use the spellings.

And that's where my new book comes in
How to Spell the 20 Most Commonly Misspelled Words
Spelling Workbook & Journal

It's a step-by step guide involving using memory tricks, drawing, writing and taking notes to learn how to spell words like necessary, separate, embarrassed, occasionally, achievement... Key words that are very useful to be able to spell accurately when you need them.


Check it out on my website at howtospell.co.uk

Thanks for watching/reading

Joanne