When it comes to writing in English, even native speakers can stumble upon words that seem similar but have different spellings and meanings. One such pair of words is “immediately” and “imediately.” The correct spelling is “immediately,” without the extra “i” in the middle. Let’s explore why “immediately” is the correct choice and how to use it effectively in sentences.
To understand why “immediately” is the correct spelling, we need to look at the word’s etymology and its usage in everyday English. “Immediately” is an adverb derived from the adjective “immediate,” which originates from the Latin word “immediatus.” The prefix “im-” means “not,” and “medius” means “middle.” Therefore, “immediately” can be understood as “not in the middle” or “without delay.”
Using “imediately” instead of “immediately” is a common mistake that often stems from pronunciation and the placement of vowels. When we pronounce “immediately,” we tend to emphasize the “e” sound in the middle, which may lead some individuals to mistakenly spell it as “imediately.” However, the correct spelling maintains the sequence of vowels, with only one “e” following the “m” and preceding the two “d’s.”
Now, let’s learn some examples that demonstrate the proper usage of “immediately”:
1. “He responded immediately to my email.”
In this sentence, “immediately” emphasizes that the person responded without any delay after receiving the email.
2. “Please submit your assignment immediately.”
Here, “immediately” indicates the urgency of the action, implying that the assignment should be submitted promptly without any unnecessary delay.
3. “As soon as she heard the news, she immediately called her boss.”
In this example, “immediately” shows that the person wasted no time and called her boss immediately upon hearing the news.
4. “The fire alarm rang, and everyone evacuated the building immediately.”
“Immediately” expresses the urgency and lack of hesitation in evacuating the building once the fire alarm sounded.
5. “The team immediately started brainstorming solutions to the problem.”
In this instance, “immediately” highlights the team’s proactive response, suggesting that they wasted no time in starting the brainstorming session.
6. “The doctor instructed the patient to take the medication immediately after breakfast.”
“Immediately” here indicates the specific timing of taking the medication, without any gaps or delays after breakfast.
7. “The shopkeeper gave me a discount when I immediately paid in cash.”
In this sentence, “immediately” emphasizes the promptness of paying in cash, resulting in receiving a discount.
By using “immediately” correctly in your writing, you convey a sense of urgency, prompt action, and a lack of delay. While the spelling of “immediately” may appear challenging due to its pronunciation and the placement of vowels, it is crucial to remember that the correct form does not include an additional “i” in the middle, as in “imediately.”
In conclusion, “immediately” is the correct spelling of the word, essential for clear and effective communication in written English. By avoiding the common error of using “imediately,” you can ensure your writing remains accurate, professional, and easily understood by others. So, whenever you need to express promptness and no delay, remember to utilize “immediately” and avoid confusion.