Careful or Carefull
Which Spelling is Correct?
Confused between "careful" and "carefull"? Learn the correct spelling, meaning, and how to use it properly in your writing.
Incorrect: Carefull
"Carefull" is a misspelling. The correct spelling is "careful" with one "l" at the end.
Correct: Careful
"Careful" is the correct spelling. It means taking care to avoid danger or mistakes.
Definitions
Careful (adjective):
Taking care to avoid danger or mistakes; cautious and thorough.
Examples:
- • Be careful when crossing the street.
- • She was careful not to make any mistakes.
- • The careful driver obeyed all traffic laws.
Carefull (adjective):
"Carefull" is a misspelling of "careful" and is not a valid English word.
Examples:
- • "Carefull" is not used in standard English.
- • Always use careful when describing caution.
Synonyms
Careful:
- • Cautious
- • Attentive
- • Diligent
- • Meticulous
- • Prudent
Carefull:
- • (No valid synonyms; not a standard English word)
Notes
Notes:
- • Careful is spelled with one "l" at the end, not two.
- • The word comes from Old English "carful" meaning full of care.
- • Can be used to describe people, actions, or attention to detail.
- • Often used as a warning or instruction.
- • "Carefull" is never correct in any context.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is "carefull" ever correct?
A: No, "carefull" is never correct. The proper spelling is always "careful."
Q: How do I remember the correct spelling?
A: Think of it as "care-ful" - the word has one "l" like "care."
Q: What's the difference between careful and cautious?
A: Both refer to being watchful, but "careful" often implies more thorough attention to detail.
Q: Why do people often misspell this word?
A: The misspelling "carefull" likely occurs because people think it should have two "l"s like "full."
Q: What are some common phrases using "careful"?
A: Examples include: be careful, careful attention, and careful planning.
Q: Can careful be used as a noun?
A: No, "careful" is only used as an adjective. The noun form would be "care."
Q: Is careful only used for people?
A: No, "careful" can be used for people, actions, or even objects that require attention.
Q: What's the origin of the word careful?
A: The word comes from Old English "carful" and was first used in English in the 12th century.
Summary
Remember: Careful is the correct spelling with one "l" at the end. It means taking care to avoid danger or mistakes. The misspelling "carefull" is never correct. Use "careful" to describe cautious behavior, thorough attention to detail, or as a warning to be cautious.