Unexpectantly or Unexpectedly – Which is Correct?
When it comes to deciding between the words “unexpectantly” and “unexpectedly,” it’s important to understand the difference in spelling and meaning. Both words are adverbs derived from the adjective “unexpected,” but they have distinct uses.
The correct and widely accepted form is “unexpectedly.” This word is used to describe actions or events that occur without being foreseen or anticipated. It is an adverb formed by adding the suffix “-ly” to the adjective “unexpected.”
For example, consider the sentence, “She arrived unexpectedly.” Here, “unexpectedly” emphasizes the surprise or lack of anticipation associated with her arrival. It indicates that her presence was not previously known or predicted.
On the other hand, “unexpectantly” is not a recognized word in standard English. It is a common misspelling or mistaken variation of “unexpectedly.” While it may be used colloquially or in informal settings, it lacks the official recognition and acceptance found in academic, professional, and formal writing contexts.
To illustrate its incorrect usage, let’s consider the sentence, “He spoke unexpectantly, surprising everyone.” Here, “unexpectantly” would be an incorrect choice. Using “unexpectedly” instead would convey the intended meaning that his unexpected words surprised those present.
Using proper examples is key to understanding the distinction between these two words. Consider the following sentences:
1. The thunderstorm came unexpectedly, catching the hikers off guard.
2. She unexpectantly threw a surprise party for her sister’s birthday.
3. The team scored a goal unexpectedly, turning the tide of the game.
In the first example, “unexpectedly” properly describes how the thunderstorm arrived without warning, taking the hikers by surprise. In contrast, the second sentence’s use of “unexpectantly” is incorrect because it should be “unexpectedly” to convey the idea that the party was not anticipated by the sister.
In the third example, “unexpectedly” is once again the correct choice as it emphasizes the sudden and unanticipated nature of the team’s goal, changing the course of the game unexpectedly.
By consistently using “unexpectedly” in our writing and speech, we adhere to proper grammar and communicate our ideas clearly and effectively. It may be tempting to use variations such as “unexpectantly” due to their similarity to other adverbs ending in “-ly,” like “gladly” or “quickly.” However, it’s essential to remember that language evolves, and grammatical conventions can change over time. Still, for now, “unexpectedly” remains the correct and widely accepted choice.
In conclusion, the correct adverb to use when describing something that occurs without anticipation is “unexpectedly.” It is important to avoid the incorrect usage of “unexpectantly,” as it is not recognized in formal writing contexts. By understanding the difference and consistently using the proper word, we ensure clarity and accuracy in our expressions. So, let’s stick with “unexpectedly” and leave “unexpectantly” behind.