Questioned or questionned – which is correct? This is a common question that many English language learners and even native speakers struggle with. In order to determine the correct spelling, let’s learn the rules of English grammar and explore some examples.
The correct spelling is “questioned.” In English, when a word ends with a short vowel followed by a single consonant, we double that final consonant before adding a suffix that begins with a vowel. This is known as the “double consonant rule.” For example, “stop” becomes “stopped” and “run” becomes “running.”
Applying this rule, we can see that “questioned” follows the correct spelling convention. The word “question” ends with a short vowel “e” followed by a single consonant “n.” Therefore, when turning it into the past tense, we double the “n” before adding “-ed.”
Let’s take a look at some examples to solidify our understanding:
1. The police questioned the suspect thoroughly.
2. She questioned the validity of the argument.
3. He questioned whether he had made the right decision.
4. The teacher questioned the student’s answer, prompting a more thoughtful response.
In all these examples, the correct spelling “questioned” was used. It adheres to the “double consonant rule” and represents the past tense of the verb “question” accurately.
Now, you might be wondering why some individuals mistakenly use “questionned” instead. This could be due to confusion with similar verbs that do not follow the same spelling rule.
For instance, “mention” ends with a short vowel followed by a single consonant; however, when we form its past tense, we do not double the final “n.” Instead, we simply add “-ed.” So, it becomes “mentioned” and not “mentionned.”
It is essential to remember that English can be full of exceptions and irregularities, requiring us to pay close attention to the specific rules for each word. However, with practice and familiarity, we can all become more confident and proficient in our use of language.
In conclusion, the correct spelling is “questioned.” This follows the “double consonant rule” when forming the past tense of the verb “question.” Examples such as “The police questioned the suspect thoroughly” and “The teacher questioned the student’s answer” demonstrate the proper usage. By understanding the rules of English grammar and recognizing exceptions, we can improve our language skills and communicate effectively. So, next time you’re unsure, remember that it’s “questioned,” not “questionned.” Keep practicing and exploring the intricacies of the English language, and soon you’ll become a master of spelling and grammar.