Mistakenly or Mistakingly: Which Is Correct?
Updated · Which One Is Correct editorial team
Quick answer: Mistakenly is the correct standard adverb used to describe actions done by error, whereas mistakingly is not a recognized word in English. Writers often confuse the two because they look similar, but only one fits in formal writing. This guide explains why mistakenly is the right choice and helps you avoid common spelling errors in your documents.
The Short Answer
Mistakenly is the standard adverb; mistakingly is not standard. The word mistakenly describes doing something with a mistake, acting on a wrong belief.
People confuse these words because they sound alike and share the root word mistake. The suffix -ly changes the adjective mistaken into an adverb, but the verb mistake does not form a standard adverb ending in -ly. Using mistakingly looks like a spelling mistake rather than a valid English word.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Form | Status | Use it when |
|---|---|---|
| Mistakenly | Standard | Describing an action done by error |
| Mistakingly | Non-standard | Avoid this form in any writing |
| Mistaken | Adjective | Describing a noun that is in error |
| Mistake | Noun or Verb | Referring to the error itself or the act of erring |
Correct Example Sentences
- He mistakenly locked the door without checking if anyone was inside.
- The team mistakenly submitted the report to the wrong client.
- She mistakenly believed the meeting was cancelled for the day.
- They mistakenly parked the car in the restricted zone.
- I mistakenly ordered the large size instead of the medium one.
- The judge mistakenly dismissed the evidence as irrelevant.
- He mistakenly assumed the email was urgent and called immediately.
- We mistakenly sent the invitation to the wrong address.
- The chef mistakenly added too much salt to the soup.
- They mistakenly thought the event was happening on Friday.
Common Mistakes and Fixes
- She mistakingly forgot her keys at the office.
- She mistakenly forgot her keys at the office.
- He mistakingly chose the wrong path.
- He mistakenly chose the wrong path.
- The manager mistakingly approved the request.
- The manager mistakenly approved the request.
- I mistakingly bought two tickets.
- I mistakenly bought two tickets.
- They mistakingly sent the file to the wrong group.
- They mistakenly sent the file to the wrong group.
- The dog mistakingly barked at the mail carrier.
- The dog mistakenly barked at the mail carrier.
A Quick Test You Can Use
To check your writing, ensure the word modifies an action or verb to indicate an error occurred during the activity. If you can swap the word with incorrectly or wrongly and the sentence remains clear and natural, you should use mistakenly. Avoid using mistakingly because no standard dictionary lists it as a valid word for describing how an action was performed.
Related Word Pairs
- Happily vs Happinely
- Use happily to describe feeling joy; happinely is incorrect.
- Suddenly vs Sudently
- Use suddenly to mean occurring without warning; sudently is not standard.
- Carefully vs Carefullyy
- Use carefully to describe doing something with attention; never add an extra y.
- Quickly vs Quikly
- Use quickly to mean fast; avoid misspelling the final y.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is mistakingly ever correct in any context?
No, mistakingly is never correct in standard English. It is a common spelling error where people add an extra letter. Always use mistakenly to describe actions done by mistake.
Can I use mistakenly with a noun instead of a verb?
No, mistakenly is an adverb and must modify a verb, adjective, or another adverb. If you need to describe a noun as being in error, use the adjective mistaken instead.
What is the difference between mistaken and mistakenly?
Mistaken describes a noun, such as a mistaken belief, while mistakenly describes an action, such as mistakenly calling someone. The suffix changes the part of speech.
Why do so many people spell it mistakingly?
People often confuse the verb mistake with the adjective mistaken when forming adverbs. They incorrectly apply the -ly suffix to the verb form instead of the adjective form.
