I am frequently asked about the correct spelling of various words. One common query that often comes up is the spelling of “opened” – is it spelled “opened” or “openned”? In this brief yet informative article, I will provide a clear explanation of the correct spelling and usage, along with a list of examples to illustrate the point. So, let’s dive right in and unravel the mystery of “opened” and “openned”.
The correct spelling of the word is “opened”. The word “openned” is incorrect and not recognized by standard English dictionaries. This is simply because it violates one of the fundamental rules of English spelling – the rule of doubling consonants after a short vowel sound. When a word ends with a short vowel sound followed by a consonant, we double the final consonant before adding a suffix that begins with a vowel. For example, consider the word “stop”. When we add the suffix “-ed” to form the past tense, it becomes “stopped”. Similarly, in the case of “open”, we retain the single “n” and add the suffix “-ed” to form the past tense – “opened”.
To further solidify our understanding, let’s explore some examples:
1. I opened the door and stepped inside.
2. She opened the book to the first page.
3. Please make sure the windows are opened before you leave.
4. They have already opened their presents.
5. The flowers had opened up beautifully in the morning sun.
In each of these examples, “opened” is used as the past tense of the verb “open”. It follows the established rule of doubling the consonant and adding the suffix “-ed”. Using any other spelling, such as “openned”, would be considered incorrect and would likely hinder effective communication.
Remember, mastering the correct spelling of words is vital for effective written and verbal communication. While it may seem like a trivial matter, using incorrect spellings can lead to confusion and misinterpretation. It is always best to adhere to established spelling rules to ensure clarity and precision in your language use.
In conclusion, the correct spelling of the past tense of “open” is “opened”, not “openned”. By understanding and applying the rule of doubling consonants after a short vowel sound, we can confidently use “opened” in our everyday language. So, next time you want to describe something that was previously open, remember to use “opened” and impress others with your impeccable English skills. Happy writing!