Annualy or Annually – Which is Correct?
When it comes to the correct spelling of this word, the answer is quite straightforward – the correct term is “annually,” not “annualy.” This is a common mistake that many English language learners make, but fear not, dear reader, for I am here to unravel this grammatical mystery and provide you with a detailed explanation.
First and foremost, let us establish that “annually” is an adverb derived from the noun “annual.” The suffix “-ly” is added to the base word “annual” to create an adverb form indicating that something occurs on a yearly basis. For instance, if you want to express the frequency at which something happens each year, you would use “annually.” Here’s an example: “The company holds its annual meeting annually to discuss its performance and future plans.”
Now, I can understand why some might be tempted to spell this word as “annualy.” After all, words like “daily,” “weekly,” and “monthly” end with the letter “y” before the suffix “-ly.” However, English, being the complex language that it is, is full of exceptions and quirks. In the case of “annually,” we break away from this pattern and stick with the straightforward “annually” spelling.
Let’s delve a bit deeper into the reasoning behind this. The word “annual” originated from the Latin term “annus,” meaning “year.” When transforming “annual” into an adverb, English borrows the suffix “-ly” from Old English, which it appends to various adjectives to form adverbs. This is why we have “quickly” from “quick,” “happily” from “happy,” and “boldly” from “bold.” Consequently, we apply the same logic to “annual” and form the adverb “annually.”
To reinforce this understanding, let’s explore a few more examples of how “annually” is used in context:
1. “The farmers harvest their crops annually, usually around the end of summer.”
2. “The famous marathon is held annually, attracting participants from all over the world.”
3. “The museum hosts an annual art exhibition, showcasing new works by local artists annually.”
4. “The company reports its financial performance annually through their annual report.”
5. “Every year, the city holds an annual festival, featuring live music, food stalls, and entertainment for all ages.”
As you can see, “annually” is the go-to term when expressing events, activities, or routines that occur on a yearly basis. Now, armed with this knowledge, you can confidently avoid the common mistake of spelling this word as “annualy” in your future writing tasks, such as essays, reports, or the dreaded IELTS exam!
In conclusion, “annually” is the correct adverb form to use, derived from the noun “annual.” Remember, dear reader, language learning is a journey beset with challenges, but with patience and a keen eye for detail, you will navigate this linguistic landscape with ease. So, let us bid farewell to the incorrect “annualy” and embrace the grammatically sound “annually” in all our writing endeavors. Off you go now, and may your words flow smoothly and eloquently!