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Appalled or Apalled – Which is Correct?

Appalled or Apalled – Which is Correct?

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you needed to express genuine shock or horror? Perhaps you witnessed an act of cruelty or discovered a shocking secret. In such moments, using the right word to convey your feelings is crucial. One word often used to describe such a strong reaction is “appalled.” However, you may have also come across a similar spelling, “apalled.” This begs the question: which one is correct?

The correct spelling is “appalled.” The word “appalled” is an adjective commonly used to express intense shock, horror, or disgust. It stems from the verb “appall,” meaning to shock or horrify someone deeply. The addition of the “-ed” suffix transforms the verb into an adjective, enabling us to describe our state of feeling when confronted with something horrifying.

Using the incorrect spelling “apalled” is a common mistake, likely due to the similarities between the two words. However, “apalled” is not a word recognized by the English language. In fact, using “apalled” would not only be grammatically incorrect but might also confuse your readers or listeners. For clarity and effective communication, it is essential to use the correct spelling, “appalled.”

Let me provide you with some examples to illustrate the proper usage of “appalled”:

1. “I was appalled by the cruelty I witnessed towards innocent animals at the factory farm.”
2. “She was appalled to discover the true intentions behind her friend’s seemingly kind gestures.”
3. “The public was appalled by the scandalous revelations that emerged during the trial.”

These examples clearly show how the word “appalled” conveys a powerful sense of shock, horror, or disgust in various contexts. Whether it is witnessing cruelty, uncovering hidden secrets, or learning about scandalous incidents, “appalled” effectively communicates the intense emotions experienced.

Now, it’s worth considering why the incorrect spelling “apalled” may have gained some traction. Perhaps it is due to our tendency to create patterns and look for shortcuts in language. The repetition of the consonant “p” in both “appalled” and “apalled” might lead some to mistakenly believe that the latter is an acceptable alternative. However, this is not the case.

To help you remember the correct spelling, draw a parallel with the word “called.” Just as we don’t spell it as “called” with a single “l,” “appalled” should also be spelt with a double “p.” A helpful way to remember this is to think of “appalled” as being “more ‘app.'”

To further solidify your understanding, let’s compare the spelling error “apalled” to a metaphorical misstep. Imagine you are walking along a tightrope, expertly balancing your weight to maintain your stability. Suddenly, you step on a loose stone, causing you to stumble and teeter precariously for a moment before regaining your footing. Similarly, using “apalled” is like that loose stone, disrupting the flow of your language and leaving your readers or listeners momentarily confused.

In summary, the correct spelling is “appalled.” This adjective allows us to accurately convey our feelings of intense shock, horror, or disgust. Remember to avoid the common mistake of using “apalled,” which is not a recognized word. By using the proper spelling, you will ensure clarity in your communication and showcase your mastery of the English language.