Guidance or guidance? Which one is correct? It’s a question that often confuses English learners, and even native speakers can find themselves second-guessing their choice. But fear not! and an IELTS tutor, I am here to bring clarity to this matter.
Let’s start by understanding the meaning of these two words. Both “guidance” and “guidence” are nouns, and they refer to the act of providing information, advice, or direction to someone. They are derived from the verb “guide,” which means to lead or direct someone. However, only one of them is the correct form.
The correct spelling is “guidance.” It is the standard form recognized by dictionaries and grammatical rules. “Guidence,” on the other hand, is an incorrect spelling and should be avoided.
To further illustrate this point, let’s consider some examples:
1. “I need some guidance on how to write an essay.”
Here, “guidance” is used to express the need for advice or direction. It is a noun and acts as the object of the sentence.
2. “The teacher provided guidance to the students throughout the project.”
In this example, “guidance” is again used to indicate the act of providing advice or direction. It is a noun and serves as the object of the preposition “to.”
3. “She sought guidance from her mentor.”
Once more, “guidance” is used to convey the idea of seeking advice or direction. It is a noun and functions as the object of the verb “sought.”
Now, you may be wondering why the word “guidence” is commonly misspelled. One possibility is that it may be influenced by other words or patterns in the English language. For instance, words like “assistance” or “resilience” end with “-ance” or “-ence,” so it’s natural to assume that “guidence” might follow the same rule. However, such assumptions can lead us astray.
Additionally, the correct spelling “guidance” forms a consistent pattern with other words derived from verbs ending in “-d.” For example, “assistance” comes from “assist” and “guidance” from “guide.” It is essential to identify and understand these patterns to enhance our language skills.
In summary, the correct spelling is “guidance.” Remember, it is crucial to rely on recognized dictionaries and grammar rules when in doubt about the spelling or usage of words. By doing so, you can ensure that your English language skills are accurate and reliable.
To recap, “guidance” is the correct form of the word relating to providing information, advice, or direction to someone. “Guidence,” on the other hand, is an incorrect spelling and should not be used. So, the next time you find yourself in doubt, trust the dictionaries, stick with “guidance,” and steer clear of “guidence.”