Easily or Easyly? An Effective Spelling Guide

Every language has nuances of spelling. In English, while some adverbs are formed by adding -ly to the adjective form of the word, it isn’t this straightforward for others.

Consider this adjective: easy – how do you write the adverb? Easyly or Easily. Using the correct spellings in writing will make you piece look polished and professional. How do you spell easily? Let’s delve into it!

Easily Vs. Easyly

Many English adverbs form when you add -ly to the adjective form of the word, for example: realreally. However, there are exceptions to this rule. One such exception is – If the adjective has two syllables and ends in -y, the letters -ily replaces the final letter. This is the case with the adjective easy! The letter y is replaced with -ily to form the adverb ‘easily’ – which modifies the adjective ‘easy‘ without altering its original meaning.

Easily means “without difficulty, discomfort or anxiety.” It also means “absolutely, without question.” The correct spelling of the adverb formed from easy is E-A-S-I-L-Y. It is a 6-lettered, three-syllable word with three consonants and three vowels. The word’s pronunciation is /ˈiːzɪli/ with the stress on the first syllable as in (EA-si-ly).

How do you spell easily: Tips to Remember

The word ‘easily’ is an adverb. Popular English adverbs form when you add the suffix -ly to the adjective root words. However, a second rule applies for adjectives that end in the letter -y. The final letter -y is replaced with –ily. This applies to the word ‘easy.’ The only way to spell it is eas(ily), and not easy(ly). It is essential to keep this tip in mind so that you do not misspell the word.

What Part of Speech is ‘Easily?’

Easily functions as an adverb. The word means “without difficulty or effort,’ ‘without doubt; by far,’ or ‘very likely to happen or be true.” Synonyms of the word include: effortlessly, comfortably, simply, with ease, and smoothly.

Examples

  • Dave is easily the best designer I know.
  • I can easily speak French and Portuguese.
  •  You can find fortune easily, but you must keep it.
  • I easily passed my test; my hard work paid off.
  • While I am not easily shocked, his actions were far too disgusting.
  • Please organize the files, so we can easily find information.
  • Jerry is easily manipulated; I don’t want him to be at the event alone.
  • If sales skyrocket suddenly, it is easily explicable.
  • I am not easily provoked, but this is intolerable!
  • Some foreigners easily adapt to our way of life.
person writing on brown wooden table near white ceramic mug
Photo by Green Chameleon on Unsplash

Conclusion

Easily is an adverb coined from the adjective easy. How do you spelleasily? The only proper spelling of the word is EASILY, not easyly. The spelling change occurs at the end of the term – the letters -ily replaces the letter -y.

Pam is an expert grammarian with years of experience teaching English, writing and ESL Grammar courses at the university level. She is enamored with all things language and fascinated with how we use words to shape our world.

How to Improve Your Spelling As an Adult

Both native speakers and language learners find English spelling tough to master. Because English is a language that absorbs new…

June 13, 2022

How to Spell Yesterday — a Quick Spelling Guide

There are times when English can seem confusing. Many of the words in English are freely borrowed from other languages.…

June 13, 2022

Can’t Spell Review? Read This Right Away!

There are times when English spelling can appear confusing. English borrows many of its words from other languages. This Germanic…

June 13, 2022

How to Spell None — a Quick Spelling Guide

Sometimes, English spelling can seem perplexing. Many of the words in English originated in other languages. Germanic language English consists…

June 13, 2022

Having Some Issues? Correct Spelling of Issue!

English may seem confusing at times. Many of the words in English were freely borrowed from other languages. Languages such…

June 13, 2022

The Correct Way of Spelling Decide!

English spelling can sometimes seem confusing. English borrows many of its words from other languages. English, a Germanic language, consists…

June 13, 2022