Select the correctly spelt word.
Identifying the Correct Spelling of 'Specifying'
Correct spelling is crucial for clear and effective communication. Misspellings can change the meaning of a word or make your writing difficult to understand. In this question, we need to identify the correctly spelled word among the given options, which are variations of the word related to making something specific or stating something clearly.
Understanding the Root Word 'Specify'
The base word here is 'specify'. This verb means to identify clearly or in detail, or to state a requirement or condition. It ends with the letter 'y'.
Analyzing Spelling Options for Specifying
Let's look at the provided options and compare them to the correct spelling derived from adding the suffix '-ing' to 'specify'.
- Option 1: Specefying
- Option 2: Spacifying
- Option 3: Specifying
- Option 4: Specifing
When adding the suffix '-ing' to most verbs ending in 'y', the 'y' is usually kept. For example, 'study' becomes 'studying', 'try' becomes 'trying', 'play' becomes 'playing'. The verb 'specify' follows this common pattern.
Therefore, when you add '-ing' to 'specify', the correct form retains the 'y'.
Comparing the Spellings
Let's break down the incorrect spellings:
- 'Specefying' replaces the first 'i' with 'e', which is incorrect.
- 'Spacifying' replaces the first 'e' with 'a', which is incorrect.
- 'Specifing' removes the 'y' before adding '-ing', which is incorrect for this word.
- 'Specifying' keeps the 'y' and adds '-ing', which follows the standard rule for 'specify'.
| Option | Spelling | Correctness | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Specefying | Incorrect | Incorrect vowel ('e' instead of 'i') |
| 2 | Spacifying | Incorrect | Incorrect vowel ('a' instead of 'e') |
| 3 | Specifying | Correct | Correct spelling derived from 'specify' + '-ing' |
| 4 | Specifing | Incorrect | Incorrectly dropped 'y' before '-ing' |
Based on the analysis and the rules for adding '-ing' to verbs ending in 'y', the only correctly spelled word among the options is 'Specifying'.
Revision Table: Common Suffix Rules for Verbs Ending in 'y'
| Suffix | Rule Type | Example Verb | Form with Suffix |
|---|---|---|---|
| -ing | Keep the 'y' | specify, study, play, try | specifying, studying, playing, trying |
| -ed | Change 'y' to 'i' | specify, study, try | specified, studied, tried (Note: play → played, rule depends on vowel before 'y') |
| -er | Change 'y' to 'i' | study, try | studier, trier (Less common for specify) |
Additional Information: Related Words
Understanding related words can also help reinforce correct spelling.
- Specify (verb): To state clearly or in detail.
- Specified (past tense/past participle): Clearly stated or identified.
- Specific (adjective): Clearly defined or identified; precise.
- Specification (noun): A detailed description of the requirements, dimensions, etc., of something.
Noticing how the base word 'specify' changes when different suffixes are added (-ed, -ication) can help remember the original 'i' and 'y' placement, which is then carried over when adding '-ing'.
Important Questions from Spellings
- Select the INCORRECTLY spelt word.
- Select the correctly spelt word.
Select the correctly spelt word.
- Select the wrongly spelt word.
- Select the correctly spelt word.
