Ah, the English language and its myriad of spelling inconsistencies never fail to amuse and confound learners. Today, let’s embark on a journey to explore the perplexing case of “useful” versus “usefull.” Which one is correct, you ask? Well, my dear language enthusiast, fear not, for I am here to shed light on this matter and guide you towards the correct path.
To put it simply, “useful” is the correct spelling. It is an adjective derived from the noun “use,” indicating that something has value, utility, or the ability to be used effectively. You see, the suffix “-ful” is added to certain nouns to form adjectives that describe the presence or possession of a particular quality. In this case, “useful” is formed by combining the noun “use” with the suffix “-ful.”
Let’s delve deeper into this by examining some concrete examples that illustrate the usage of “useful”:
1. “Her study notes were incredibly useful for preparing for the exam.”
2. “Learning a second language is always a useful skill to have.”
3. “The new smartphone has many useful features, such as a high-resolution camera.”
Now you may wonder, why do some individuals mistakenly spell it as “usefull”? Well, it’s merely a common error resulting from confusion regarding the doubling of the consonant “l.” In English, when a one-syllable word has a short vowel sound, the consonant following the vowel is often doubled before adding a suffix. However, this doubling does not apply when the word has more syllables or when the final consonant is not preceded by a short vowel sound. Hence, in the case of “useful,” the letter “l” is not doubled, as the final vowel “e” is long.
To further clarify this point, consider the following examples:
1. “The child filled the bucket with water until it was full.”
2. “She was so full of joy that she couldn’t stop smiling.”
3. “The bell rang, signaling the end of class.”
In each of these examples, the doubling of the final consonant occurs because the preceding vowel sound is short. However, in “useful,” the vowel sound is long, and thus, no doubling is required.
In conclusion, my friend, always remember that “useful” is the correct spelling. It is a valuable adjective that describes something as possessing utility or being effective. Embrace this word and incorporate it into your vocabulary confidently, knowing that you have mastered yet another linguistic challenge. Happy learning, and may the English language continue to delight and perplex you on your fascinating journey!