Acknowledge is the correct spelling in Standard English. While some may argue that “acknowlege” is an acceptable variant, it is considered a misspelling and is not recognized as standard by major dictionaries such as Merriam-Webster or Oxford English Dictionary.
To understand why “acknowledge” is correct, let’s break down its spelling and pronunciation. The word is composed of three syllables: ac-know-ledge. The first syllable, “ac,” is pronounced as /ək/ or /æk/. The second syllable, “know,” is pronounced as /noʊ/. The final syllable, “ledge,” is pronounced as /lɛdʒ/.
Now, let’s examine why “acknowlege” is an incorrect spelling. If we remove the second “k,” we would be left with “acknowlege.” Pronounced as /əkˈnɒl.ɪdʒ/, this misspelling alters the pronunciation of the word. The first syllable, “ac,” remains unchanged, but the second syllable becomes “nol” /noʊl/. This misspronunciation is not consistent with the standard pronunciation of the word.
To illustrate the correct usage of “acknowledge,” let’s explore some examples:
1. When someone apologizes, it is essential to acknowledge their apology. (Verb)
2. The company sent me an email to acknowledge the receipt of my job application. (Verb)
3. I want to acknowledge all the hard work and dedication my team has shown throughout this project. (Verb)
4. The acknowledgments section of a book is an opportunity for the author to express their gratitude. (Noun)
5. The receipt is an acknowledgment that you have paid for the goods or services. (Noun)
6. Jim raised his hand to acknowledge the teacher’s question. (Verb)
7. They sent me a letter to acknowledge my complaint and assured me they would address it promptly. (Verb)
8. It is essential to acknowledge your accomplishments and celebrate your successes. (Verb)
9. The company issued an acknowledgment of the mistake and offered a solution. (Noun)
10. The audience clapped and cheered to acknowledge the performer’s outstanding performance. (Verb)
As you can see from these examples, “acknowledge” is consistently used as a verb meaning to recognize, accept, or express gratitude. It is also used as a noun, meaning an act of recognition or a statement of thanks.
In conclusion, “acknowledge” is the correct spelling of the word. While some may mistakenly use “acknowlege,” it is considered a misspelling and is not recognized by major dictionaries. By adhering to the standard spelling, you will ensure effective communication and maintain grammatical accuracy. So, remember to acknowledge the “k” and keep your writing error-free.