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Struggle or Stuggle – Which is Correct?

Ah, the classic struggle of the spelling of “struggle”! Is it spelled with just one ‘g’ or with two ‘g’s? This is a question that has plagued many English language learners and even native speakers at times. But fear not, for I am here to shed some light on this grammatical conundrum.

The correct spelling of the word is indeed “struggle,” with two ‘g’s. Although it may be tempting to go with the single ‘g’ spelling, as it seems more intuitive and easier to remember, the reality is that the double ‘g’ is the standard and accepted spelling in English. So why is this the case? Let me explain.

English is a language that has its roots in various other languages, including Latin, German, French, and Old English. Over time, words from these different languages have merged and evolved, resulting in the complex and often inconsistent spelling patterns we encounter today.

When it comes to the spelling of “struggle,” we can look at its etymology for some clues. The word is derived from the Old French “estorgier” and the Latin “strangulare,” both of which mean “to choke” or “to strangle.” The double ‘g’ in the spelling is a reflection of the origin and pronunciation of the word in its earlier forms.

To further illustrate this point, let’s consider some other words in English that share a similar pattern. Take the word “juggle,” for example. Like “struggle,” it also contains a double ‘g.’ This consistent pattern in spelling helps us recognize the similarity between these words and aids in understanding their meaning.

Now, I can hear you asking, “But what about words like ‘bugle’ and ‘ogle’ that only have one ‘g’?” It’s true that there are exceptions to every rule in English, and spelling is no different. However, when we examine these exceptions closely, we can find explanations for their unique spellings as well.

In the case of “bugle,” it is derived from the Middle Dutch word “bugele,” which eventually evolved into the modern English term. The single ‘g’ spelling is a result of the word’s transformation over time and differs from the consistent pattern we see in words like “struggle” and “juggle.”

Similarly, with the word “ogle,” it is believed to be derived from the Low German term “ogeln,” which means “to look at.” Again, the single ‘g’ in the spelling can be attributed to the word’s origin and its particular evolution within the English language.

Ultimately, the key to mastering the spelling of “struggle” lies in understanding its etymology and recognizing the consistent pattern it shares with other words in English. By familiarizing yourself with the language’s history and the evolution of its words, you can develop a solid foundation for correct and confident spelling.

So remember, when faced with the question of “struggle or stuggle,” always go with the double ‘g’ for the correct spelling. It may take a little practice and memorization, but soon enough, you’ll find yourself conquering the English language, one correct spelling at a time.

Now, I challenge you to use the word “struggle” in a sentence of your own creation. Let’s see if you’ve mastered this spelling puzzle!