Successfully or Succesfully: Which One Is Correct and Why?

When it comes to spelling tricky words, “successfully” is one of those words that frequently causes confusion. Many people wonder if “succesfully” is a legitimate variation or if it’s simply a typo. Today, we’ll dive deep into the spelling of “successfully”, explore why “succesfully” isn’t correct, and provide real-world examples to help clarify the confusion once and for all.

Understanding the Correct Spelling: “Successfully”

The word “successfully” comes from the noun “success,” which means achieving a goal or desired outcome. It’s important to note that “successfully” is an adverb, meaning it describes how something is done. To spell it correctly, you need to remember that “success” is followed by the suffix “-fully”.

So, “successfully” is the correct spelling. The form “succesfully” is incorrect because it lacks an extra “s” between the “c” and the “f.”

Key points:

• The correct spelling is successfully.
• Succesfully without the second “s” is incorrect.

But why does this happen? Let’s break it down further.

The Common Mistake: Why “Succesfully” Happens

The confusion between “successfully” and “succesfully” often arises because of similar-looking words that end in “-fully.” For example, consider words like “beautifully” or “wonderfully.” These words don’t require a second “s” or an extra consonant before the “ly” ending.

However, “successfully” is an exception. The word “success” contains an additional “s” after the “c” (as opposed to just one “s” like in “beauty” or “wonder”), so that extra “s” must carry over when forming the adverb.

Tip: When you think of “success,” remind yourself that it’s a double “s” word—so “successfully” will follow that same pattern.

How to Spell “Successfully” in English

You may still be asking yourself, “How do you spell successfully?” It’s simple, really: break the word down into its components.

Success + -fully = Successfully

Spelling Breakdown:

Part of Word	Explanation
Success	The root word, meaning achieving a goal
-fully	The suffix that turns the word into an adverb
Successfully	The full, correctly spelled adverb

This breakdown helps you see the correct structure of the word and reinforces that the double “s” is key.

Why “Succesfully” Is Incorrect

If you’re ever unsure about which form to use, remember: the English language has many inconsistencies, but there’s a reason “succesfully” is wrong. Unlike other words, such as “beautifully” or “wonderfully,” “success” naturally includes that second “s.” Without it, the word breaks its rule.

Some people mistakenly drop the second “s” and end up writing “succesfully.” This error is common, especially when people rely on spellcheck or typing quickly.

But here’s the deal: “Succesfully” does not exist in any dictionary or language reference guide. In contrast, “successfully” is the proper form used in both formal and informal writing.

Scenario 1: An Email Example Using “Successfully”

Let’s take a look at an email scenario where the word “successfully” is used correctly:

Subject: Project Update

Hi Emily,

I hope this email finds you well.

I wanted to update you on the progress of the new marketing campaign. We’ve successfully launched the first phase, and initial responses are positive. Our team is working hard to ensure that the second phase goes smoothly, and I will keep you updated.

Let me know if you need further details or if you have any concerns.

Best regards,
John

In this example, “successfully” is used to describe how the launch of the marketing campaign was carried out—indicating that it was done in a successful manner.

Notice how the adverb “successfully” clearly conveys the achievement of the goal in the project. Using “succesfully” here would be an error, and your email might come off as less professional.

Scenario 2: A Formal Report Example

Now, let’s consider a more formal context, such as a report:

Title: Successfully Implementing the New Training Program

The company has successfully rolled out its new employee training program across all departments. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and the program’s objectives have been met within the expected timeframe. As a result, employees are more confident in their roles, and productivity has increased.

In this formal example, we see “successfully” used to emphasize the positive result of implementing a new program. Using “succesfully” here would be incorrect and might detract from the credibility of the report.

How to Spell Successfully

Many people, especially non-native English speakers, may wonder how to spell “successfully” and might find themselves asking, “How to spell successfully in English?” Again, the solution is straightforward: it’s spelled successfully, with a double “s.”

To help you remember, think of this simple rule: “success” is the root word, and it needs the extra “s” when turning into the adverb form “successfully”.

The Importance of Correct Spelling in Professional Writing

Correct spelling is crucial in professional writing, and using “successfully” correctly can impact the tone and credibility of your work. While a small mistake like spelling “succesfully” instead of “successfully” might seem minor, it can affect the perception of your professionalism.

Consider this example in a business proposal:

Incorrect Version:
“We have succesfully completed the market research phase.”

Correct Version:
“We have successfully completed the market research phase.”

The second example reads more polished, and it’s easier for the reader to take your work seriously. In contrast, the first example with “succesfully” might make the reader question the quality of your work, even if it’s otherwise flawless.

The Role of Spellcheck

Most modern text editors, like Microsoft Word or Google Docs, include spellcheck features that automatically flag words like “succesfully” as errors. However, it’s important not to rely solely on spellcheck, as it doesn’t always catch every mistake. Double-checking your writing will ensure that your spelling is correct, especially for words like “successfully”, where many common variations could slip through unnoticed.

Tip: If you’re ever unsure, you can consult a dictionary or online resources like Merriam-Webster or Oxford for confirmation.

Final Thoughts: “Successfully” vs. “Succesfully”

To sum it up, “successfully” is the only correct spelling of this word. Even though “succesfully” might seem tempting because of its similarity to other words ending in “-fully,” it’s important to stick to the standard English convention.

The next time you’re writing and you need to use this word, remember the following:

• The correct spelling is “successfully”—with two “s” letters.
• “Succesfully” is a common mistake, but it’s not the correct form.

When you take the time to proofread and get it right, you’ll find that your writing will have more clarity, professionalism, and precision.

And now, if you’re still unsure, you can confidently say, “I know how to spell successfully!”