When it comes to the question of whether “safely” or “safetly” is the correct spelling, the answer is clear: “safely” is the correct spelling. This word is an adverb, derived from the adjective “safe,” and is used to describe the manner in which an action is performed. It is an essential word in the English language and is commonly used in both written and spoken communication.
To understand why “safely” is the correct spelling, we need to examine the rules of English spelling and phonetics. The sound /i:/ in English is usually represented by the letter combination “ee” or “ea.” In words like “feel,” “meet,” or “beam,” we can see that this sound is consistently spelled with an “ee” or an “ea.” Following this pattern, we can determine that the correct spelling of the adverb derived from “safe” should be “safely.”
Furthermore, we can also look at related words and their spellings to provide additional evidence for the correct spelling. For example, the noun form of “safe” is spelled with an “e” as well, not with an “i.” We say “safety,” not “safity.” Similarly, the adjectives “safeguard” and “safekeeping” do not have an “i” in their spellings. Therefore, it is logical to conclude that the adverb form should follow these patterns and be spelled “safely.”
To illustrate the correct usage of “safely,” let’s consider some examples:
1. “She crossed the street safely, looking both ways before stepping off the curb.”
Here, the adverb “safely” describes how the action of crossing the street was performed. It indicates that she did it in a manner that ensured her own safety.
2. “The precious cargo was safely delivered to its destination without any damages.”
In this sentence, “safely” is used to show that the delivery was conducted in a way that ensured the safety and protection of the valuable cargo.
3. “Please ensure you store the medication safely, out of reach of children.”
Here, “safely” instructs the reader on how to store the medication to prevent any harm or accidents, emphasizing the importance of safety.
By using “safely” instead of the incorrect spelling “safetly,” we maintain consistency with the spelling patterns in the English language. Additionally, using the correct spelling helps to ensure our message is clearly understood by others, as they will not be distracted by a misspelled word.
In conclusion, the correct spelling of the adverb derived from “safe” is “safely.” By following the rules of English spelling and examining related words, we can see that the spelling “safetly” is incorrect. When communicating in English, it is essential to adhere to proper spelling to convey our ideas accurately, and “safely” is the appropriate choice.