What Was the Most Frequently Misspelled Word in 2020?

The English language can be quite a challenge, especially when it comes to spelling. Even seasoned writers and editors slip up with certain words. As we delve into the world of common misspellings, let's explore the most frequently misspelled word in 2020, as well as some notable errors from the previous year.

The 2019 List: A Glimpse into Common Missteps

Every year, dictionaries and language experts release a list of the most frequently misspelled words. For 2019, here are a few notable entries:

Then vs. Than

One of the most common mistakes is confusing “then” and “than.” These words are often thought to be interchangeable, but they serve very different purposes. “Then” is used to denote a sequence of events or to specify a condition, while “than” is used for comparison. Here are a couple of examples to illustrate the difference:

Correct: I took the bus downtown then walked home.

Correct: I like pears better than bananas.

Joint 1st Place: Alot vs. A Lot

Another pair of words that frequently cause confusion is “alot” and “a lot.” “A lot” is the correct spelling when it means a significant amount of something. “Alot” is a non-standard spelling and should be avoided. Here are some examples:

Correct: I have a lot of work to do today.

Incorrect: I have alot of work to do today.

Compound Words: Apart vs. Altogether

Another pair of words often mixed up is “apart” and “altogether.” “Apart” means to be separated or distant, whereas “altogether” means completely or entirely. Here’s how to use them correctly:

Correct: I was a part of the group responsible for the project.

Incorrect: I was a whole of the group responsible for the project.

The 2020 List: New Entrants and Ongoing Challenges

As we move into 2020, there were several new entrants to the list of commonly misspelled words, including some unexpected ones:

Alot vs. A Lot (continued)

Regrettably, “alot” still tops the list for 2020, despite the well-established correct spelling of “a lot.” It’s important to remember that “a lot” means a significant quantity or degree, and “alot” is not a recognized word.

Apart vs. Months Long

A recent error that stood out was the use of the word “monthslong” instead of the correct “months long.” This incorrect usage was even found in a piece by a reputable journalist at the New York Times, highlighting the persistence of linguistic errors, even among professionals.

Here is the incorrect usage for context:

Incorrect: The project took a monthslong period to complete.

Correct: The project took a months long period to complete.

Concluding Thoughts

The world of spelling is still full of challenges, and there’s always room for improvement. Learning from these common mistakes can help you avoid making them in your own writing. By being mindful of the correct spellings of words like “then,” “alot,” and “apart,” you can enhance your communication skills and improve your writing’s credibility.

Key Takeaways

Understand the distinction between “then” and “than.” Avoid the non-standard spelling “alot” and use “a lot” instead. Distinguish between “apart” and “months long.”

By paying attention to these details, you can ensure that your writing is clear and accurate, whether you’re a professional writer or a casual blogger.