Have you ever second-guessed yourself while typing the word “writing”? Maybe your fingers added an extra “t”, or perhaps a spellchecker flagged it, leaving you wondering: Is it writting or writing? If you’ve faced this, you’re not alone.
This comprehensive guide will clear up the confusion once and for all. We’ll explore why “writting” is incorrect, the proper spelling of writing, and the spelling rules that guide it. You’ll also see real-world examples like emails, blog writing, and business reports to help you internalize the correct form.
What’s the Correct Spelling: Writing or Writting?
Let’s get straight to the point: The correct spelling is writing.
The word writting is a common misspelling of the present participle form of “write.” It’s easy to make this mistake, especially if you’re new to English or unclear on some suffix rules like consonant doubling.
So whenever you’re unsure about whether to use writing or writting, go with writing.
Why “Writting” is Wrong in English
The mistake of adding an extra “t” in “writing” often comes from misunderstanding how the base verb “write” behaves when adding suffixes.
According to standard English grammar rules, doubling the final consonant only happens under specific conditions:
- The verb must end in consonant + vowel + consonant (like “run”)
- The stress must fall on the final syllable
“Write” doesn’t meet either condition:
- It ends with a silent “e”
- The stress falls on the first syllable
Thus, there’s no reason to double the “t”.
Understanding the Spelling Rules
Let’s break down a few key rules that explain why writing is spelled the way it is.
1. Silent E Rule
When a verb ends in a silent “e”, you typically drop the “e” when adding the suffix “-ing.”
- Write → Writing
- Make → Making
- Drive → Driving
This is known as the Silent E rule, and it’s crucial in language learning and mastering English spelling rules.
2. Suffix Addition Rules
Suffixes like -ing, -ed, -en have different effects depending on the verb’s structure.
Here’s a table for quick reference:
| Verb | Suffix | Correct Form | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Write | -ing | Writing | Drop silent “e” |
| Run | -ing | Running | Double consonant |
| Open | -ing | Opening | No doubling |
| Hit | -ing | Hitting | Double final “t” |
Understanding these spelling rules can help you avoid common errors in verb conjugation.
3. When to Double the Consonant in Verbs
You double the consonant when:
- The word ends in a single consonant preceded by a single vowel
- The stress is on the final syllable
Examples:
- Begin → Beginning
- Permit → Permitting
But not:
- Enter → Entering (No doubling, because stress is not final)
- Write → Writing (No doubling, because of the silent “e”)
Breaking Down the Grammar: Write, Writing, Written
Here’s a grammar breakdown of the verb “write” for a clearer understanding:
- Base form: Write
- Present participle: Writing
- Past tense: Wrote
- Past participle: Written
Examples in Context
- I love writing blog posts. (Present participle)
- She wrote a novel last year. (Past tense)
- The letter was written in cursive. (Past participle)
Examples of Writing in Everyday English
Email Writing Example
Subject: Monthly Report
Hi Alex,
I’m currently writing the monthly performance summary. It will be ready by Thursday.
Best,
Karen
Blog Writing Example
“Writing a blog takes creativity, structure, and a bit of courage. The first sentence should hook your reader instantly.”
Business Report Example
“This section focuses on the writing style used in our quarterly financial overview. Clear, concise communication was prioritized.”
Journal Entry Example
“Spent the day writing in my journal. There’s something therapeutic about seeing your thoughts on paper.”
The Role of Writing in Communication
Writing plays a vital role in communication—whether in email writing, blog writing, or everyday note-taking.
It allows ideas to be shared, instructions to be followed, and emotions to be expressed.
Think of it this way:
- Scribing records events.
- Drafting develops ideas.
- Composing adds flair and structure.
Each aspect is essential to effective written communication.
Writing vs Writting for ESL Students
For English learners, it’s easy to fall into the trap of adding extra letters, especially when sounds might feel ambiguous.
Let’s clear this up:
- Writing is always correct
- Writting is always incorrect
This is a classic language learning hurdle related to English spelling errors and pronunciation cues.
ESL Tip:
Use tools like Grammarly or Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary to verify the correct spelling.
English Spelling Rules Explained
Spelling in English can be unpredictable, but not without patterns. These English spelling rules help:
- Drop the silent e before adding -ing
- Double the consonant if stressed on the last syllable and ends in vowel-consonant
- Don’t double if it ends in a vowel team (like “read” → “reading”)
These rules apply to countless words, including writing, composing, journaling, and editing.
Penmanship vs Writing: Is There a Difference?
Yes.
- Writing refers to the act or process of composing words.
- Penmanship refers to the style or neatness of handwriting.
So, you can have excellent penmanship but still struggle with writing creatively.
Use of “Writing” in Educational and Creative Settings
Creative writing, educational content, and journal entries all lean heavily on proper grammar.
Examples:
- “In class, students practiced writing complete sentences.”
- “Creative writing helps children express their imagination.”
In every form—from academic to expressive—writing is essential.
How to Remember the Correct Spelling: Writing
Here’s a trick:
- Start with “write”
- Apply the Silent E rule (drop the “e”)
- Add -ing
So:
Write → Writing (Never “writting”)
You don’t say “runnning,” right? Then don’t say “writting.”
Summary Table: Writing vs. Writting
| Feature | Writing | Writting |
|---|---|---|
| Correct Spelling | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Used in Grammar | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Follows Rules | ✅ Yes (Silent E rule) | ❌ Breaks rules |
| Present Participle of “write” | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Common in ESL Mistakes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Final Thoughts: Avoiding Common English Spelling Errors
The confusion between writing or writting stems from misunderstanding a few basic grammar rules and spelling patterns. By learning the rules around verb forms, suffix addition, and silent letters, you can stop second-guessing yourself.
Whenever you’re unsure about the spelling of writing or writting, go back to the basics:
- Start with the base verb: write
- Apply the rule: Drop the “e” and add “-ing”
And you’ll always land on the right word: writing.
