I’ve seen this question come up quite a few times: “How do you spell really?” While it seems simple, you’d be surprised at how often people mistakenly spell it wrong as “realy.”
If you’ve ever caught yourself wondering whether the double “l” is necessary, you’re not alone. Let’s clear up the confusion once and for all!
In this blog, we’ll explore the correct spelling of “really,” why it’s often misspelled as “realy,” and provide some tips to help you remember how to use this word correctly in your writing.
By the end, you’ll confidently know when and how to spell “really,” avoiding those common mistakes once and for all.
The Correct Spelling: Really
The correct spelling is really with a double “l.” It’s an adverb that’s formed by adding the suffix “-ly” to the adjective “real.” We use “really” to express genuine feelings, emphasize a statement, or confirm the truth of something.
For example:
- “She is really talented.”
- “I really appreciate your help.”
Why “Realy” is Incorrect
You may have seen people mistakenly write “realy” instead of “really.” This is a common typo, but it’s not correct.
The missing “l” makes it a misspelling. Though “realy” might seem like a logical alternative when typing quickly, it’s important to remember the correct form is really with the two “l”s.
Why We Often Mix It Up: Common Reasons for the Mistake
So, why do people get it wrong? It’s usually because of how words like “really” are formed and how our brains process them. We often shorten or simplify words while writing, and this leads to the mistaken omission of one “l.”
Pronunciation of “Really”: A Helpful Hint
Sometimes, hearing a word can help with spelling it correctly. The word “really” is pronounced as /ˈrɪəli/ in both British and American English, which sounds just like the word “real” with the “-ly” ending. Understanding how the word sounds can make it easier to remember how to spell it.
If you’re ever unsure about the spelling, just think of the “real” part of the word and remind yourself that “really” adds the “ly,” and that “ly” needs to follow the double “l.”
Common Misspellings of “Really” and How to Avoid Them
Let’s take a quick look at some of the common mistakes people make when spelling “really” and how you can avoid them:
| Misspelling | Correct Spelling |
| realy | really |
| reallly | really |
| reallly | really |
| reallyy | really |
The key here is to double-check your writing for that extra “l.” And yes, if you’re typing in a rush, autocorrect or spell-check can be your best friend.
Tips to Remember the Correct Spelling
Here are a few quick and simple tips to help you remember how to spell really:
- Mnemonic Device: Think of “real” plus “ly” as the formula to remember. If you remember the word “real,” adding “ly” should naturally lead you to “really.”
- Visualize the Word: When you write “really,” make sure you visualize the two “l”s, not just one. It helps reinforce the correct spelling.
- Practice: The more you write “really,” the easier it will become to remember. Practice by incorporating the word into your daily writing.
How to Use “Really” Correctly in Sentences
Now that we’ve established the correct spelling, let’s look at how “really” is used in everyday language. Here are some examples:
- Emphasizing Something: “I am really tired today.”
- Expressing Strong Feelings: “I really enjoyed the movie.”
- Confirming the Truth: “That’s really interesting!”
FAQs: People Also Ask
1. Is it ‘really’ or ‘realy’?
It’s really with two “l”s. “Realy” is a common typo and not the correct spelling.
2. How do you pronounce really?
It’s pronounced as /ˈrɪəli/, sounding like “real” with a “ly” added at the end.
3. Can “really” be used as an adjective?
No, “really” is always used as an adverb. It modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.
4. What is the opposite of really?
The opposite of “really” could be “barely” or “not really,” depending on the context.
Final Thoughts: Mastering “Really”
Knowing how to spell really correctly is essential for effective communication. By following these tips, you’ll avoid the common mistake of writing “realy” and use “really” with confidence.
Remember, when in doubt, refer back to the word “real” and add the “-ly.” You’ll be spelling “really” right every time!
Thanks for reading, and feel free to share this with anyone you know who might still be wondering, “How do you spell really?”
