M any people often wonder about the correct spelling of “accidently” versus “accidentally.” If writing emails, essays, or social media posts, this confusion is common. People search for this keyword to ensure they use the right form in professional and casual contexts.
Understanding the difference is essential because one spelling is standard, while the other is often considered a misspelling.
This article breaks down the correct usage, the history of the word, British vs. American spelling, common mistakes, and practical examples. By the end, you’ll know exactly when and how to use it confidently.
Accidently or Accidentally – Quick Answer
The correct spelling is “accidentally.”
- ✅ Example: I accidentally deleted my homework file.
- ❌ Incorrect: I accidently deleted my homework file.
Tip: “Accidently” sometimes appears in informal writing, but “accidentally” is the preferred and widely accepted form.
The Origin of Accidentally
The word “accidentally” comes from the Latin accidens, meaning “an occurrence or happening.” Over time, English added the -ly suffix to form an adverb. The shortened form, “accidently,” appeared occasionally in older texts but never gained standard acceptance. Today, “accidentally” dominates in dictionaries and official style guides.
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British English vs American English Spelling
Both British and American English favor “accidentally.” The form “accidently” is rare and generally considered incorrect in both versions of English.
| Spelling | Region | Status | Example |
| accidentally | US & UK | Standard | She accidentally sent the email twice. |
| accidently | US & UK | Rare/Incorrect | She accidently sent the email twice. |
Note: There is no regional rule that prefers “accidently”; always choose “accidentally” for professional writing.
Read more: Receive or Recieve –( Correct Spelling Explained in 2026)
Which Spelling Should You Use?
- US / UK / Commonwealth / Global: Always use “accidentally.”
- Informal writing / social media: Some may write “accidently,” but it’s better to stick with the correct form to avoid mistakes.
- Academic / business writing: Never use “accidently.”
Common Mistakes with Accidentally
- Incorrect: I accidently forgot your birthday.
Correct: I accidentally forgot your birthday. - Incorrect: They accidently left the door open.
Correct: They accidentally left the door open. - Tip: Adding -ly correctly transforms adjectives or nouns into adverbs.
Accidentally in Everyday Examples
Emails:
- I accidentally attached the wrong file to this email.
News headlines:
- Politicians accidentally revealed confidential information.
Social media:
- I just accidentally liked an old post…
Formal writing:
- The experiment was accidentally disrupted due to equipment failure.
Accidently or Accidentally – Google Trends & Usage Data
According to Google Trends:
- “Accidentally” is searched 10x more often than “accidently.”
- Most searches come from the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.
- Contexts include grammar help, essay writing, and email editing.
| Keyword | Average Searches | Popular Regions |
| accidentally | 40,000 / mo | US, UK, Canada, Australia |
| accidently | 3,500 / mo | US, UK |
FAQs
1. Is “accidently” correct?
No. The correct form is “accidentally.”
2. Can “accidently” be used informally?
It can appear in casual writing, but it’s not recommended.
3. Why do people write “accidently”?
It’s a common typo or simplified version, but standard grammar prefers “accidentally.”
4. Is there a US vs UK difference?
No, both use “accidentally.”
5. Can I shorten “accidentally” in text messages?
Yes, but be aware it may look unprofessional.
6. What part of speech is “accidentally”?
It is an adverb, describing how something happened.
7. Are there other similar words with -ly confusion?
Yes, e.g., “definitely” vs. “definately,” “truly” vs. “truely.”
Conclusion
The confusion between “accidently” and “accidentally” is common but easy to solve. Always use “accidentally” in formal, academic, or professional writing. “Accidently” may appear in informal contexts but is considered a spelling mistake in dictionaries and style guides.
Understanding its origin, correct usage, and regional consistency ensures your writing is accurate and professional. By following this guide, you can confidently use “accidentally” in emails, essays, social media, and news content without second-guessing your spelling.
I am James Wilson, an author at GrammarTribe.com, specializing in English grammar and clear communication.
I create expert, reliable content to help learners write with confidence and accuracy.
