“Writing” is the correct spelling. “Writting” is a misspelling — it does not exist as a standard English word in any dictionary or regional variety.
That said, it’s one of the most common spelling mistakes in English, and the reason makes sense once you understand how the word is formed.
Why People Write “Writting”
The confusion comes from a genuine spelling rule — applied to the wrong word.
In English, when you add -ing to a short verb that ends in a single consonant, you normally double that consonant. This is called the doubling rule.
Examples where doubling applies:
- run → running
- sit → sitting
- hit → hitting
- swim → swimming
- cut → cutting
These words double the final consonant because the vowel before it is short and stressed. The doubling protects that short vowel sound.
So when someone writes “writting,” they’re applying this logic to write — and it feels right. But it isn’t.
Why “Writing” Doesn’t Double the T
The verb write ends in a silent e. When you add -ing to a verb that ends in silent e, you drop the e and add -ing — no doubling.
- write → writing (drop the e, add -ing)
- hope → hoping
- make → making
- take → taking
- lose → losing
The silent e already signals a long vowel sound. Doubling the consonant isn’t needed and isn’t done.
So the rule isn’t broken — it just doesn’t apply here. “Writing” follows the drop-the-e pattern, not the double-the-consonant pattern.
Simple Way to Remember Writing or Writting
Think of words you already know follow the same pattern:
| Base verb | Add -ing | Result |
| write | drop e, add -ing | writing |
| ride | drop e, add -ing | riding |
| bite | drop e, add -ing | biting |
| shine | drop e, add -ing | shining |
If you know “riding” isn’t “ridding” and “biting” isn’t “bitting,” the same logic applies to “writing.”
What “Writing” Means
Writing has two main uses.
As a verb (the present participle of write):
- She is writing a letter.
- He was writing all night.
- I started writing at age nine.
As a noun (the act or product of writing):
- His writing improved over the years.
- The writing on the wall was faded.
- She collects early American writing.
- Good writing takes practice.
In both uses, the spelling stays the same: writing.
Quick Check
If you’re unsure in the moment, ask yourself: does the base verb end in a silent e?
- write ends in silent e → drop it → writing ✓
- sit does not → double the t → sitting ✓
That one question solves the problem.
The short answer: Use writing. Always. “Writting” is never correct in any form of English.
You may like more to read:
Vendor or Vender: Which Spelling Is Correct?
Challenge or Challange: Which Spelling Is Correct?
It’s Afini, I am the author at Vocab press, a website focused on animal facts with clear visuals and simple guides. I research and share accurate, easy-to-understand information for readers of all ages. My goal is to make learning about animals fun, trustworthy, and simple. I follow fact-based writing and keep content updated, helpful, and people-first. Thank you for reading.
