Greatly is the correct spelling, not Grately. This is a common mistake that many people make, but understanding the rules of English spelling can help you avoid this error.
The word “greatly” is an adverb, which means it modifies a verb, adjective, or other adverb. It is derived from the adjective “great” and is used to indicate the degree or extent of something. For example, you can say, “I greatly appreciate your help,” or “She has greatly improved her English skills.”
To understand why “Greatly” is correct, let’s take a look at the word it is derived from, “great.” “Great” is an adjective that describes a noun or pronoun. For instance, you might say, “He is a great leader,” or “That was a great movie.” The word “greatly” is formed by adding the suffix “-ly” to the adjective “great.”
The addition of the suffix “-ly” is a common way to form adverbs in English. It changes the adjective into an adverb that describes how something is done. For example, “quick” becomes “quickly,” “careful” becomes “carefully,” and “happy” becomes “happily.” Similarly, “great” becomes “greatly.”
Here are a few more examples to help solidify the concept:
1. The team greatly surpassed their target.
2. She greatly enjoys playing the piano.
3. The new regulations will greatly affect the company’s operations.
4. I greatly appreciate your support during this difficult time.
5. The scientist’s research has greatly contributed to our understanding of the disease.
As you can see, in each of these sentences, the word “greatly” functions as an adverb modifying the verb in the sentence. It indicates the extent or degree to which something is done or experienced.
Now, let’s consider the incorrect spelling “Grately.” While it might seem like a plausible variation, there is no such word in the English language. It does not conform to the rules of English spelling and grammar. Therefore, if you want to convey the meaning of “to a great extent” or “to a high degree,” the correct word to use is “greatly.”
In conclusion, the correct spelling is “Greatly.” This adverb is formed by adding the suffix “-ly” to the adjective “great,” indicating the degree or extent of an action or attribute. However, “Grately” is an incorrect spelling and does not exist in the English language. So, remember to use “greatly” when you want to express something to a significant or considerable extent.