Ever wondered whether to use “Mistakingly or Mistakenly” in your writing? You’re not alone! Many people, from English learners to native speakers, get confused between the two because they sound similar and both seem logical at first glance.
The truth is, only one of them is correct in standard English, and knowing which one to use can save you from embarrassing mistakes. Understanding the difference is easier than it seems once you break it down step by step.
In this guide, we’ll explore what “mistakenly” really means, why “mistakingly” is considered incorrect, and how to use the correct word confidently in emails, social media, and everyday speech.
✅ Quick Answer
“Mistakenly” is the correct spelling and widely accepted word.
“Mistakingly” is considered incorrect or nonstandard in modern English.
Now, let’s break it down clearly and simply so you’ll never make this grammar mistake again! ✨
Understanding “Mistakenly” ✅
What Does “Mistakenly” Mean?
The word mistakenly is an adverb. It means:
By mistake or in a way that is wrong due to misunderstanding.
It describes an action that was done incorrectly or unintentionally.
Structure Breakdown
- Mistake (noun/verb)
- Mistaken (past participle adjective)
- Mistakenly (adverb form)
This follows a common English pattern:
Adjective + -ly → Adverb
Examples:
- Quick → Quickly
- Happy → Happily
- Mistaken → Mistakenly
Examples of “Mistakenly” in Sentences 📝
Here are multiple real-life examples to help you understand proper English usage:
📧 In Emails
- “I mistakenly attached the wrong file. Please find the correct document below.”
- “You were mistakenly included in this email thread.”
📱 On Social Media
- “I mistakenly thought the event was today!”
- “Sorry, I mistakenly tagged the wrong person.”
📰 In News Reports
- “The company mistakenly released confidential information.”
- “He was mistakenly identified as the suspect.”
🎓 In Academic Writing
- “The data was mistakenly interpreted due to a calculation error.”
- “Participants were mistakenly assigned to the wrong group.”
🗣️ Everyday Speech
- “I mistakenly took your jacket.”
- “She mistakenly believed the store was open.”
As you can see, mistakenly works naturally in formal and informal contexts. 👍
What About “Mistakingly”? ❌
Is “Mistakingly” a Real Word?
Technically, you might find “mistakingly” in some old or rare texts. However:
- It is not standard English
- It is not accepted in modern grammar
- Most dictionaries label it as incorrect or nonstandard
In modern English writing and grammar rules, you should avoid using “mistakingly.”
Why Do People Say “Mistakingly”? 🤷♂️
The confusion happens because:
- The verb is “mistake”
- So people assume the adverb should be “mistakingly”
But English doesn’t form adverbs that way in this case. We don’t say:
- ❌ “Mistakingly”
- ✅ “Mistakenly”
It follows the adjective form mistaken, not the verb mistake.
Mistakingly vs Mistakenly: Side-by-Side Comparison 📊
| Feature | Mistakenly | Mistakingly |
| Correct Spelling | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Part of Speech | Adverb | Nonstandard form |
| Accepted in Formal Writing | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Used in Academic English | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Dictionary Recognition | Widely recognized | Rare/incorrect |
| Example | “She mistakenly called him.” | Not recommended |
Grammar Tips: Why “Mistakenly” Is Correct 🧠
Here’s a simple grammar rule:
👉 Many adverbs come from adjectives, not directly from verbs.
Examples:
- Broken → Brokenly (rare)
- Known → Knownly (rare)
- Mistaken → Mistakenly (correct and common)
So remember:
The adjective is mistaken → Add -ly → mistakenly
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them 🚫
Here are some common mistakes in English related to this word:
❌ Writing “Mistakingly” in Professional Emails
Always proofread important emails.
❌ Assuming Both Words Are Interchangeable
They are not. Only one is correct.
❌ Trusting Autocorrect
Some devices may not immediately flag “mistakingly.”
Memory Trick (Mnemonic) 🧩
Here’s a super simple trick to remember the correct spelling:
👉 If you are mistaken, you acted mistakenly.
Both words contain “taken.”
Mistaken → Mistakenly
There is no “taking” in the correct word.
That little connection can save you from spelling errors forever! 🎉
Real Life Usage Trends 📈
Is There a British vs American English Difference?
Good news! 🇬🇧🇺🇸
There is no difference between British and American English in this case.
Both:
- Use mistakenly
- Avoid mistakingly
Unlike words such as “colour” vs “color,” this one stays the same in all major English varieties.
Search Trends & Keyword Insights 🔎
Many people search online for:
- “mistakingly or mistakenly”
- “correct spelling of mistakenly”
- “is mistakingly a word”
- “grammar tips for common mistakes”
- “English usage guide”
This shows how common the confusion is! Even fluent speakers sometimes doubt themselves.
More Sentence Examples for Clarity ✨
Let’s look at even more examples to build confidence.
Professional Context
- “The invoice was mistakenly sent to the wrong client.”
- “She was mistakenly promoted in the internal announcement.”
Legal Context
- “He was mistakenly arrested.”
- “The court mistakenly referenced outdated legislation.”
Customer Service
- “You were mistakenly charged twice.”
- “We mistakenly processed your order twice.”
Personal Context
- “I mistakenly thought today was Friday.”
- “She mistakenly believed he was upset.”
Try replacing “mistakenly” with “by mistake.”
If it makes sense, you’re using it correctly!
Example:
“I mistakenly deleted the file.”
= “I deleted the file by mistake.” ✅
Why “Mistakenly” Sounds More Natural 👂
Language evolves naturally. Over time, English speakers adopted mistakenly as the standard adverb.
“Mistakingly” never gained widespread acceptance because:
- It doesn’t follow common English patterns
- It sounds awkward to native speakers
- It rarely appears in respected dictionaries
In modern English grammar education, mistakenly is the only safe choice.
FAQs: Mistakingly or Mistakenly ❓
1. Is “mistakingly” ever correct?
No. It is considered nonstandard and incorrect in modern English writing.
2. Why do people say “mistakingly”?
Because they assume the adverb comes directly from the verb “mistake,” but English forms it from the adjective “mistaken.”
3. Is “mistakenly” formal or informal?
It works in both formal and informal English usage.
4. Can I use “mistakenly” in academic writing?
Yes. It is completely acceptable in essays, research papers, and reports.
5. Does British English use “mistakingly”?
No. Both British and American English use mistakenly only.
6. What is a synonym for “mistakenly”?
Some alternatives include:
- By mistake
- Incorrectly
- In error
- Accidentally (sometimes)
7. How can I remember the correct spelling?
Think:
If you are mistaken, you acted mistakenly.
Remember the word “taken” inside both.
Final Thoughts: Mistakingly or Mistakenly? 🎯
Let’s wrap it up clearly:
✔ Mistakenly = Correct spelling
❌ Mistakingly = Incorrect/nonstandard
If you want to avoid common mistakes in English, always choose mistakenly in professional writing, academic work, emails, and social media.
Improving small grammar details like this makes a big difference in your writing clarity, confidence, and credibility. Keep practicing, keep learning, and don’t worry we all make mistakes… just not “mistakingly”! 😉
