Adopted or Addopted – Which is Correct?
When it comes to spelling, English can be quite confusing. One word that often causes a dilemma is “adopted.” However, some people mistakenly spell it as “addopted.” In this article, we will explore the correct spelling and provide a detailed explanation to settle the debate once and for all.
The correct spelling of the word in question is “adopted.” The mistake of spelling it as “addopted” is a common error caused by a misconception about double consonant usage. To understand why “adopted” is the correct spelling, let’s learn the rules of English spelling.
In English, there are two main rules regarding the doubling of consonants before adding suffixes. The first rule states that if a word ends in a consonant followed by a single vowel, and the stress is on the last syllable, we double the final consonant before adding a suffix that begins with a vowel. For example, “run” becomes “running” and “prefer” becomes “preferred.”
However, the second rule applies when a word ends in a consonant followed by a single vowel, but the stress is not on the last syllable. In this case, we do not double the final consonant before adding a suffix. For example, “visit” becomes “visited” and “happen” becomes “happened.”
Applying these rules to the word “adopt,” we see that the stress is on the first syllable, and it ends with a consonant followed by a single vowel – “o.” Therefore, according to the second rule, we should not double the final consonant “t” before adding the suffix “-ed” to form the past tense. Hence, the correct spelling is “adopted,” not “addopted.”
To further demonstrate this, let’s compare the correct and incorrect spelling in sentences:
1. Correct: “The family adopted a stray dog and gave it a loving home.”
Incorrect: “The family addopted a stray dog and gave it a loving home.”
2. Correct: “She was adopted as a child and raised by her loving parents.”
Incorrect: “She was addopted as a child and raised by her loving parents.”
By using the correct spelling “adopted” in these sentences, we maintain consistency with the rules of English spelling and ensure clarity in our written communication.
In conclusion, the correct spelling of the word is “adopted.” The mistaken spelling “addopted” stems from a misunderstanding of the rules regarding the doubling of consonants before adding suffixes. By following the second rule, which applies when the stress is not on the last syllable, we can confidently spell the word as “adopted.” So, whether you’re writing an essay, a letter, or taking an exam like IELTS, remember to adopt the correct spelling and avoid the common mistake of “addopted.”