Have you ever found yourself stuck between spelling “fourty” and “forty”? It’s a common confusion, especially since “four” is spelled with a “u.” Many people assume that the word for 40 should follow suit and include that “u.” But is “fourty” actually correct, or is “forty” the proper spelling?
Let’s dive into the history and usage of these two spellings to clear up the confusion once and for all.
Understanding Fourty And Forty
Fourty: Definition and Usage
“Fourty” is a common misspelling of the word “forty.” Despite its frequent appearance in casual writing and even some online content, “fourty” is not recognized as correct in standard English.
The spelling likely originates from the association with the word “four,” but it is not accepted in any formal context.
Examples:
- Incorrect: She celebrated her fourty-first birthday with a grand party.
- Incorrect: The bill totaled fourty dollars exactly.
Forty: Definition and Usage
“Forty” is the correct spelling of the number 40 in English. It has been the standard form since the 17th century, despite its deviation from the spelling of “four.”
“Forty” is used in all English-speaking countries and is recognized universally in both formal and informal writing.
Examples:
- Correct: He spent forty days exploring the desert.
- Correct: The product costs forty dollars.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Fourty | Forty |
| Definition | Common misspelling of “forty” | Correct spelling of the number 40 |
| Common Usage | Incorrect: “She turned fourty today.” | Correct: “She turned forty today.” |
| Key Differences | Incorrect and non-standard | Correct and universally accepted |
When deciding between “fourty” and “forty,” always choose “forty.”
The key factors to consider include the fact that “forty” is the standard spelling in all forms of English. Using “fourty” may cause your writing to appear unprofessional or unpolished.
Everyday Usage Examples
Here are some examples to illustrate how “forty” fits into everyday language, and why “fourty” should be avoided:
- Correct: The team scored forty points in the final quarter.
- Incorrect: I need fourty more minutes to finish this project.
- Correct: He is forty years old.
- Incorrect: She bought fourty apples at the market.
- Correct: There are forty students in the classroom.
- Incorrect: The temperature dropped to fourty degrees last night.
Conclusion
In summary, while “fourty” may seem like it should be correct due to its similarity to “four,” it is not. The correct spelling of the number 40 is “forty.”
Remembering this simple rule will help you avoid common spelling mistakes and ensure that your writing remains clear and professional.