Ah, the age-old question of “anually or annually?” It’s a small but important distinction, and one that can cause confusion for native and non-native English speakers alike. So, which one is correct? Let me break it down for you in plain English.
First of all, the correct spelling is “annually.” Yes, that’s right, with two n’s. This adverb is derived from the noun “annual,” which means something that occurs once a year. When we want to describe an action or event that happens on a yearly basis, we use the adverb form, which is “annually.” So, if you want to say that something happens every year, you would say “it happens annually.”
Now, you might be wondering why we use two n’s instead of just one. Let’s take a closer look at the word “annual” itself. It comes from the Latin word “annus,” meaning year. When we add the suffix “-al” to “annus,” we get “annual,” meaning pertaining to a year. So, when we add the “-ly” suffix to “annual,” we keep both n’s and create the adverb “annually.” It’s a bit like adding the “-ly” suffix to “quick” to create the adverb “quickly.”
To further illustrate this point, let’s consider some examples. Imagine you are talking about a music festival that takes place every year. You would say, “The festival is held annually,” not “The festival is held anually.” Another example could be a company that releases its financial reports on a yearly basis. You would say, “The company publishes its financial reports annually,” not “The company publishes its financial reports anually.”
Using the correct spelling is important for maintaining clarity and correctness in your writing and speaking. By using “annually,” you are following the established rules of the English language and conveying your message accurately. Plus, it helps you avoid any potential confusion that may arise from using the incorrect spelling.
It’s worth noting that even native English speakers sometimes make the mistake of using “anually.” It’s a common error, but with a little bit of practice, you can overcome it. Remember, it’s a matter of sticking to the correct spelling and using “annually” when you want to describe something that happens once a year.
In conclusion, “annually” is the correct spelling, and it is used to describe something that happens on a yearly basis. By using the correct form, you ensure that your writing and speaking are accurate and clear. So, next time you need to express that something occurs every year, remember to use “annually.”