Many people get confused between accidently or accidentally because both look similar. However, only one is correct in standard English.
This confusion often happens because of how we speak. When we say the word quickly, the extra “al” sound in accidentally can be hard to notice. As a result, many writers drop it and write accidently. But in formal writing, emails, and professional content, spelling matters a lot.
|Related: “Bare or Bear With Me” – What’s the Correct Phrase and When to Use It?
Accidently or Accidentally – Quick Answer
Correct spelling: Accidentally
Incorrect spelling: Accidently
Examples:
- ✅ I accidentally deleted the file.
- ❌ I accidently deleted the file.
- ✅ She accidentally called me late at night.
- ❌ She accidently called me late at night.
👉 Simple rule:
- Always use accidentally in writing.
When to Use Accidentally
Use accidentally when something happens by mistake or without intention.
It is correct in all types of writing,
- Emails
- Stories
- Formal content.
- Always choose accidentally, as accidently is not a correct spelling.
The Origin of Accidently or Accidentally
The word accidentally comes from the noun accident.
It is formed by adding the suffix “-al” and “-ly”.
- Accident → Accidental → Accidentally
👉 So, accidently is a spelling mistake, not a real variation.
British English vs American English Spelling
Good news:
No difference between British and American English.
- ✅ Accidentally
Comparison Table
| Version | Correct Spelling | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| British English | Accidentally | He accidentally broke the glass. |
| American English | Accidentally | She accidentally sent the wrong email. |
| Incorrect Variant | Accidently ❌ | This is not accepted in any form. |
Related Examples
👉 Unlike words like “color/colour,” this spelling stays the same everywhere.
Which Is the Correct Spelling to Use?
Use accidentally:
- 🇺🇸 United States → Accidentally
- 🇬🇧 United Kingdom → Accidentally
- 🌍 Global audience → Accidentally
Common Mistakes with Accidently or Accidentally
1. Dropping “al”
- ❌ accidently
- ✅ accidentally
2. Relying on pronunciation
People often spell based on how they speak. This leads to errors.
3. Typing fast
Quick typing can cause missed letters.
4. Autocorrect mistakes
Sometimes tools fail to fix the error.
👉 Tip: Remember this phrase
- “Accident + al + ly = Accidentally”
Accidently or Accidentally in Everyday Examples
Emails
- ✅ I accidentally attached the wrong file.
- ❌ I accidently attached the wrong file.
News Writing
- ✅ The driver accidentally hit a parked car.
Social Media
- ✅ Oops! I accidentally liked your old post.
Formal Writing
- ✅ The data was accidentally deleted during the update.
👉 In every situation, only accidentally is correct.
Accidently or Accidentally – Google Trends & Usage Data
Search data shows that many people type “accidently” online.
However:
- Accidentally is widely used in books, news, and official writing.
- Accidently appears mostly in informal or incorrect usage.
Usage Comparison Table
| Word | Usage Level | Correct? |
|---|---|---|
| Accidentally | Very High | ✅ Yes |
| Accidently | Low | ❌ No |
👉 Most grammar tools flag accidently as an error.
FAQs
1. Is “accidently” ever correct?
No. It is always incorrect in standard English.
|See also: Peek or Peak: Understanding the Difference and Correct Usage
2. Why do people write “accidently”?
Because of fast typing and pronunciation habits.
3. How can I remember the correct spelling?
Think: Accident + ally = Accidentally
4. Is “accidentally” used in formal writing?
Yes. It is the only accepted form in formal writing.
5. Do British people use “accidently”?
No. They also use accidentally.
6. Is “accidently” in the dictionary?
Most dictionaries list it as an incorrect spelling.
7. Can spell check fix this mistake?
Yes, most tools correct accidently to accidentally.
Conclusion
The confusion between accidently or accidentally is very common, but the answer is simple. Only accidentally is correct. The incorrect form accidently comes from dropping letters while speaking or typing fast.
Both British and American English follow the same rule. This makes it easy to remember—no matter where you write, use accidentally. Using the wrong spelling can make your writing look careless, especially in professional or academic work.
To avoid mistakes, break the word into parts: accident + al + ly. This small trick can help you remember the correct form every time. With practice, you will stop second-guessing yourself and write confidently.
👉 Final tip: If you are unsure, always choose accidentally.
Hi, I’m Mark Cole, the voice behind Grammar Meaning! I explain tricky grammar rules in simple ways. I write useful guides on basicsgrammar.com.