Auxiliary or Auxiliary – Which is Correct?
As an English language and IELTS tutor, one of the common questions I often come across is whether it should be spelled as “auxiliary” or “auxilliary.” It’s understandable why this question arises, as these two words sound alike and have a similar meaning. However, there is only one correct spelling, and that is “auxiliary.” Allow me to explain further and provide some examples to illustrate this point.
Firstly, let’s establish what we mean by the term “auxiliary.” It is often used as an adjective to describe something or someone that provides additional help or support. For instance, we can refer to an “auxiliary nurse” who assists the primary nurse in a hospital. In this context, “auxiliary” emphasizes the supportive role of the nurse.
Furthermore, “auxiliary” can also function as a noun, particularly in the realm of grammar. In this case, it refers to a verb that combines with the main verb in a sentence to create different tenses or express various aspects. This concept is commonly taught in English language learning, including in the preparation for the IELTS exam.
Now, let’s learn the confusion between the spellings “auxiliary” and “auxilliary.” The correct spelling is “auxiliary,” with only two “i’s” and two “l’s.” The common error stems from the mistaken belief that since the letter “i” is pronounced with a long “e” sound, an additional “i” should be added to the word. However, English spelling rules don’t always follow pronunciation patterns, and in this case, “auxiliary” is the correct spelling.
To illustrate this point, let’s consider some examples:
1. The auxiliary generator kicked in during the power outage and provided electricity to the building.
2. Sarah’s role as an auxiliary teacher involved assisting the classroom teacher with lesson preparation.
3. In the sentence, “She will have finished her assignment by tomorrow,” “will have” acts as the auxiliary verb to express future perfect tense.
As you can see, in each of these examples, “auxiliary” is spelled with two “i’s” and two “l’s.” Using the incorrect spelling, “auxilliary,” would not only be considered a mistake but may also impede effective communication.
To remember and reinforce the correct spelling, try thinking of it as a toolbox. Just as an auxiliary nurse provides additional help in a medical setting, the word “auxiliary” is like a tool that helps us express different tenses or aspects in English grammar. Utilizing this analogy can aid in remembering the correct spelling.
In conclusion, the correct spelling is “auxiliary,” not “auxilliary.” This word is commonly used both as an adjective to describe something or someone providing additional support and as a noun to denote a verb that assists in creating different tenses or aspects. Remembering this correct spelling is crucial for effective communication and sound English language skills. So, next time you come across this word, be confident in using “auxiliary” and impress others with your grammatical accuracy and precision.