Triple or Tripple: Which Is Correct?
Updated · Which One Is Correct editorial team
Quick answer: When facing the choice between triple and tripple, the correct spelling is triple. Tripple is consistently a misspelling that should be avoided in all writing. The word triple means threefold, representing a quantity multiplied by three or an action repeated three times. This standard spelling appears in contexts involving multiples, folds, and scores. Writers often make errors here due to visual similarity with words ending in -ple.
The Short Answer
The word triple is the correct spelling, while tripple is a misspelling that must be avoided in your writing. You should always choose triple to ensure your text remains professional and grammatically accurate.
People often confuse these two words because they sound identical when spoken aloud. Visual habits also play a role, as some writers mistakenly add an extra letter thinking it emphasizes the quantity. This confusion persists despite clear dictionary standards favoring the three-letter ending.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Form | Status | Use it when |
|---|---|---|
| triple | correct | to describe a threefold increase or score |
| tripple | incorrect | nowhere; this form should be avoided |
| noun | adjective | to describe a quantity or action repeated three times |
| verb | adjective | to multiply by three or make three times as much |
Correct Example Sentences
- The bet was tripled after the unexpected win.
- She tripled her speed to catch the bus.
- The recipe requires triple the sugar for sweetness.
- Our profits have tripled this past quarter.
- Please triple check your work before sending.
- The building has three times the height of the tower.
- He tripled his efforts to finish the project.
- The prize money was tripled for the final round.
- Costs will triple if we do not act now.
- The fabric has a triple weave for durability.
Common Mistakes and Fixes
- The price trippled overnight.
- The price tripled overnight.
- Please tripple the ingredients.
- Please triple the ingredients.
- She trippled the bet.
- She tripled the bet.
- This wall is tripple thick.
- This wall is triple thick.
- The score trippled to three.
- The score tripled to three.
- They trippled the effort.
- They tripled the effort.
A Quick Test You Can Use
To verify the correct spelling, consider the meaning of the word within your sentence. If you intend to express a quantity that is three times the original, the root word triple must be used. Remember that the root of the word ends in a single e, so any spelling with an extra p is incorrect regardless of context.
Related Word Pairs
- singular vs single
- Use singular for one and single for one distinct item.
- pair vs pear
- Use pair for two items and pear for the fruit.
- principle vs principal
- Use principle for a rule and principal for a leader.
- desert vs dessert
- Use desert for dry land and dessert for sweet food.
- advise vs advise
- Use advise for the verb and advice for the noun.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is tripple ever correct in any context?
No, the word tripple is never correct. It is a common misspelling of the word triple, which means to multiply by three. Always use triple in writing to maintain accuracy.
Why do people write tripple instead of triple?
People often write tripple because they misremember the number of p's or try to emphasize the quantity. This error is frequent because the words sound the same, leading to confusion.
Can I use tripple in a casual text message?
No, you should avoid using tripple even in casual messages. Using incorrect spellings can make your writing look unprofessional or careless to anyone reading your text.
Does triple work as both a verb and a noun?
Yes, the word triple works correctly as both a verb and a noun. As a verb, it means to make three times as much, and as a noun, it represents three times a quantity.
