Ability or Abillity – Which is Correct?

Correct Spelling

Ability is the only correct spelling.

The word “ability” is derived from the Latin word “habilis,” meaning “able” or “apt.” It follows a common English pattern where a single ‘l’ precedes the ‘ity’ suffix.

Example: She has a remarkable ability to learn new languages quickly.

Example: The team demonstrated their ability to overcome challenging obstacles.

Common Misspelling

Abillity is a common misspelling.

This error often occurs due to confusion with words like “flexibility” or “visibility,” which do have a double ‘l’ before the ‘ity’ suffix. People may incorrectly apply this pattern to “ability.”

Example: He claimed to have the abillity to fix the computer, but he was mistaken.

Why the Confusion Exists

The English language is rich with words derived from various linguistic roots, leading to inconsistencies in spelling and pronunciation.

Fact 1: Historically, spelling in English was not standardized until the advent of dictionaries and widespread printing, leading to a period of flux and variation.

Fact 2: The pronunciation of “ability” does not offer a clear phonetic clue to the correct spelling of the second syllable, making it prone to guesswork.

Fact 3: The presence of similar-sounding words with different spelling patterns, such as “flexibility” (with double ‘l’), can create a false analogy.

English has a complex history, having absorbed vocabulary and grammatical structures from Germanic, Latinate, and Romance languages. This linguistic borrowing means that spelling rules are not always uniform.

Over centuries, as English spread and evolved, regional dialects developed their own preferences for spelling and pronunciation, contributing to variations that persist even today.

The standardization of spelling, largely driven by lexicographers like Samuel Johnson in the 18th century, aimed to create a consistent written form, but some irregularities remained or were reinforced.

• Key Point: The sound of the word does not clearly indicate whether to use a single or double ‘l’ before the ‘ity’ ending.
• Historical Note: English spelling has been influenced by multiple languages, leading to a complex set of rules and exceptions.

How to Remember the Correct Usage

Memorizing the correct spelling of “ability” can be achieved through various techniques that leverage visual, phonetic, or logical associations.

Mnemonic 1: Think of “ability” as having one ‘l’ because you have a single, clear ability to do something well. Associate the single ‘l’ with a singular skill.

Mnemonic 2: Visualize the word “able.” Since “ability” is closely related to “able,” remember that “able” has only one ‘l’, and so does “ability.”

Pattern recognition: Notice that words derived from “able” or “apt” often maintain a single ‘l’. Contrast this with words that have a different root or etymology.

Break down the word “ability” into its likely components: “a-” (a prefix), “bil” (from Latin “habilis”), and “-ity” (a common suffix denoting a state or quality). The core “bil” part does not necessitate a double ‘l’.

Connect to root words if possible. The Latin root “habilis” means “easy to do, handle, or use,” which is directly related to the concept of being able to do something.

Practice writing the word correctly in sentences. Repetition helps to reinforce the correct visual memory of “ability” and reduce the likelihood of defaulting to the incorrect “abillity.”

• Memory Trick: Think of “a” and “b” in “ability” as standing for “able being.”
• Word Breakdown: The suffix ‘-ity’ is common for abstract nouns, and the preceding letters often follow the root word’s spelling.

Related Words That Follow the Same Pattern

Understanding patterns in English word formation can help clarify spellings of similar words and reinforce correct usage.

Capability: This word, also meaning the power or ability to do something, follows the single ‘l’ pattern before the ‘-ity’ suffix.

Credibility: Meaning the quality of being trusted and believed in, this word also uses a single ‘l’ before ‘-ity’, stemming from “credible.”

Feasibility: Referring to the state of being easily or conveniently done, “feasibility” also adheres to the single ‘l’ rule, derived from “feasible.”

Reliability: Meaning the quality of being dependable, “reliability” consistently uses a single ‘l’ before the ‘-ity’ suffix, stemming from “reliable.”

Exceptions exist, such as “flexibility” and “visibility,” which have a double ‘l’ before ‘-ity.’ These often derive from different Latin roots or have undergone different spelling evolutions.

The pattern of a single ‘l’ before ‘-ity’ is more common in words derived from Latin roots that already have an ‘l’ or ‘bl’ sound in their base form.

This pattern is frequently observed in English, particularly in words related to qualities, states, or abstract concepts, making it a useful heuristic for spelling.

• Common Pattern: Words derived from Latin roots ending in -abilis or -ibilis often retain a single ‘l’ before the ‘-ity’ suffix.
• Watch Out: Words like “flexibility” and “visibility” are common exceptions to this pattern.

Additional Example Sentences

Understanding the usage of “ability” in various contexts can solidify its correct application.

In academic writing: The study investigated the students’ ability to critically analyze complex texts.

In business communication: Our company prides itself on the ability of its employees to innovate and adapt.

In creative writing: The protagonist discovered an innate ability to communicate with animals.

In everyday conversation: “Do you think you have the ability to finish this project by Friday?”

In formal documents: The contract outlines the contractor’s ability to perform the specified services.

In digital communication: She showcased her design ability through an impressive online portfolio.

The context of the writing often dictates the specific nuance of “ability” being conveyed, from practical skills to inherent talents.

Formality levels can influence the choice of vocabulary, but “ability” is generally suitable across a wide range of registers.

While “ability” is universally understood, some regional dialects might favor alternative phrasing for specific types of skills or aptitudes.

• Formal Use: The candidate’s ability to lead a team was evident during the interview.
• Informal Use: He’s got a real ability for making people laugh.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Should I use “ability” or “abillity”?
A: You should always use “ability.” “Abillity” is a common misspelling and is considered incorrect in standard English.

Q2: Which dictionaries recognize “ability”?
A: All major dictionaries, including the Oxford English Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, and Cambridge Dictionary, list “ability” as the correct spelling.

Q3: Will spell-check catch “abillity”?
A: Yes, most modern spell-check software will flag “abillity” as an error and suggest “ability” as the correction.

Q4: How can I help English learners remember the correct spelling?
A: Encourage them to associate “ability” with “able” (which has one ‘l’) and to practice writing the word repeatedly.

Q5: Is there any historical context for the misspelling “abillity”?
A: The misspelling likely arises from confusion with words that do have a double ‘l’ before the ‘-ity’ suffix, such as “flexibility,” rather than a specific historical variant.

Q6: Are there regional spelling differences for “ability”?
A: No, “ability” is consistently spelled with a single ‘l’ across all major English-speaking regions, including American, British, Canadian, and Australian English.

Quick Summary

The correct spelling is “ability” with a single ‘l’.

Avoid the common misspelling “abillity” by remembering its connection to the word “able.”

Using “ability” correctly will ensure your writing is clear and professional.