Mackerel or mackeral? This is a common question that often confuses English learners and even native speakers. The correct spelling is “mackerel,” with a double “k” and one “e.” In this article, I will explain why “mackerel” is the correct spelling and provide some examples to further illustrate this point.
Firstly, it is important to note that the English language is full of words with irregular spellings, and “mackerel” is one of them. This means that the spelling of this word does not follow the usual patterns and can be challenging for learners. However, understanding the correct spelling is crucial, especially in formal writing, such as IELTS exams, where accuracy is highly valued.
The correct spelling, “mackerel,” follows the rule of doubling the consonant letter when preceded by a vowel in a stressed syllable. In this case, the syllable “ack” is stressed, and the vowel “a” is succeeded by the consonant “k.” The doubling of the “k” is necessary to indicate the short vowel sound in the stressed syllable. If we were to spell it as “mackeral” with only one “k,” it would result in pronouncing the “a” as a long vowel sound, like the “a” in “caper.” This would be incorrect as it deviates from the accepted pronunciation of the word.
To further clarify, let’s consider some examples of words that follow a similar pattern. The word “kidnap” is spelled with a double “p” because the syllable “nap” is stressed, and the vowel “a” is succeeded by the consonant “p.” If “kidnap” were spelled as “kidnap,” it would imply a different pronunciation, akin to “kid-nap.” Similarly, the word “hopping” is spelled with a double “p” because the stressed syllable is “hop” and the vowel “o” is succeeded by the consonant “p.” If “hopping” were spelled as “hoping,” it would imply a different pronunciation, similar to “hope-ing.”
In addition to these examples, there are countless other words in the English language that follow this doubling rule, such as “regret,” “occur,” and “submit.” The doubling of the consonant helps maintain the intended sound and pronunciation of the word.
So, in conclusion, the correct spelling of the word is “mackerel,” and it follows the doubling rule of a consonant after a vowel in a stressed syllable. Understanding this spelling rule will not only help you use the correct spelling in your writing but also enhance your pronunciation by correctly identifying the stressed syllables.
Next time you come across the word “mackerel” or any other word with a similar spelling pattern, remember to double the consonant after a vowel in a stressed syllable. Practice identifying stressed syllables in different words, and soon you’ll feel more confident in spelling and pronouncing these words correctly.
Language learning is a journey, and mastering the spelling and pronunciation of words like “mackerel” takes time and practice. So, don’t be discouraged if you make occasional mistakes. Keep learning, keep exploring, and soon enough, you’ll be an expert yourself!