Submission or Submittion: Which Is Correct?
Updated · Which One Is Correct editorial team
Quick answer: The correct spelling is always submission, while submittion is a frequent misspelling. This error often occurs because the word contains two t's, tempting writers to double it again. Understanding the root verb helps clarify the proper form for all contexts. This guide provides a clear verdict to help you write with confidence.
The Short Answer
submission is the correct spelling; submittion is a misspelling that should be avoided in all writing. The root verb is submit, and adding the suffix -ion creates the noun submission with a single t before the suffix begins.
People often confuse these words because the verb submit contains a double t, which can create a mental expectation of two t's in the derived noun. However, English spelling rules do not require doubling consonants when adding suffixes that begin with vowels unless the base word ends in a single vowel followed by a single consonant. In this case, the doubling does not apply, leading to the common mistake.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Form | Status | Use it when |
|---|---|---|
| submission | Correct | When referring to the act of yielding or presenting something |
| submittion | Incorrect | Never; this is a spelling error to be corrected |
| Submit | Verb | When describing the action of handing in or yielding |
| Submitter | Noun | When referring to the person who performs the action |
Correct Example Sentences
- The author sent their manuscript for review as a formal submission.
- Please include a title with your file submission for the contest.
- Her emotional submission was evident during the difficult conversation.
- The team prepared a detailed submission for the grant committee.
- Without a signed contract, the legal submission is invalid.
- The deadline for the job submission is approaching quickly.
- Critics praised the artistic submission for its unique vision.
- Every submission must be accompanied by a brief cover letter.
- The committee reviewed dozens of submissions before making a choice.
- Your submission has been marked as received by the system.
Common Mistakes and Fixes
- The document was sent as a submittion to the editor.
- The document was sent as a submission to the editor.
- We are waiting for your submittion to the form.
- We are waiting for your submission to the form.
- Make sure the file submittion is under the limit.
- Make sure the file submission is under the limit.
- His submittion to the authority was immediate.
- His submission to the authority was immediate.
- The judge reviewed all the submittions on the table.
- The judge reviewed all the submissions on the table.
- Do not delay the final submittion any further.
- Do not delay the final submission any further.
A Quick Test You Can Use
To ensure you use the right word, check if the sentence describes an act of giving something over or yielding to authority. If the meaning fits, use submission. Remember that the base verb submit has two t's, but the noun form only keeps one because the suffix starts with an i, which changes the doubling rule.
Related Word Pairs
- Accomodate vs Accommodate
- Use accommodate with two c's and two m's to mean to provide space or fit in.
- Discreet vs Discrete
- Use discreet for careful behavior and discrete for separate or distinct items.
- Effect vs Affect
- Use effect as a noun meaning result and affect as a verb meaning to influence.
- Principle vs Principal
- Use principle for a fundamental truth and principal for a leader or main sum.
- Its vs It's
- Use its for possession and it's for the contraction of it is.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do people spell it submittion?
People spell it submittion because they see two t's in the verb submit and incorrectly assume the noun should also have two. This is a common error because the rule for doubling consonants does not apply when adding the -ion suffix.
Is there any context where submittion is okay?
No, there is no context where submittion is acceptable. It is always a misspelling, and using it will make your writing look unprofessional or contain a clear error in standard English.
What is the difference between the noun and verb?
The verb submit means to give something to someone or yield to authority, while the noun submission refers to the act of doing so or the state of yielding. The verb keeps the double t, but the noun uses only one.
How do I remember the correct spelling?
You can remember the correct spelling by thinking of the phrase 'one t in the noun.' Since the suffix starts with i, the final t of the root word remains single. Visualizing the word with just one t helps prevent the mistake.
