When it comes to the word “multiply,” there is often confusion regarding its correct spelling. Many people wonder if it should be spelled with one “p” or two. The correct spelling is “multiply” with one “p.” This is a common mistake, but understanding the rules of English spelling and word formation can help clarify why “multiply” is the correct spelling.
English spelling can be tricky, with many words that appear similar but have different spellings and meanings. In the case of “multiply,” it is formed by adding the suffix “-ly” to the base word “multi.” The word “multi” itself comes from Latin and means “many” or “multiple.” By adding “-ly,” we create an adverb form of the word, indicating the manner in which an action is performed.
Let’s consider some examples to further illustrate the correct spelling and usage of “multiply”:
1. “He can multiply numbers in his head.” – In this sentence, “multiply” is used as a verb, representing the mathematical operation of finding the product of two or more numbers.
2. “She is a multiply talented artist.” – Here, “multiply” modifies the adjective “talented” to emphasize that the person possesses numerous talents or skills.
3. “The success of their marketing campaign was multiplied by their innovative approach.” – In this case, “multiplied” functions as a past participle and is used to describe the action of increasing or augmenting something.
4. “The population of the city has multiplied rapidly in the last decade.” – In this example, “multiplied” is used as a verb to indicate exponential growth in the population.
5. “He managed to multiply his initial investment by ten in just one year.” – Here, “multiply” is used as a verb to express the act of increasing or expanding something significantly.
By analyzing these examples, we can distinguish the correct spelling of “multiply” and gain a better understanding of its usage in different contexts. Remember that although it may be tempting to spell it as “multiplly” due to the “ly” sound at the end, the correct spelling only requires one “p.”
Understanding the formation and origins of words can also help us in spelling them correctly. When forming adverbs using the suffix “-ly,” we don’t need to duplicate any letters. Words like “quickly,” “happily,” and “easily” all follow this pattern.
In conclusion, the correct spelling is “multiply” with one “p.” The confusion around its spelling arises due to similar-sounding words like “supply” or “reply.” However, by recognizing the word’s origins and structure, as well as examining its usage in various sentences, we can confidently spell and use “multiply” correctly in both written and spoken English.