Severely vs Severly
The Ultimate Spelling Guide: Understanding the Difference Between Correct and Incorrect Usage
Quick Answer
"Severly" is always incorrect - remember the "e" before "ly" in "severely"!
Severly
❌ INCORRECT
This spelling is never acceptable in English. It's a common mistake that should be avoided.
Severely
✅ CORRECT
This is the proper spelling meaning "in a severe manner" or "to a severe degree."
Understanding the Difference
"Severe" (Adjective)
- • Means "harsh" or "serious"
- • Ends with "e"
- • Base form of the word
- • Used to describe intensity
"Severely" (Adverb)
- • Means "in a severe manner"
- • Add "ly" to "severe"
- • Keeps the "e" before "ly"
- • Describes how something is done
Common Mistake
- • People drop the "e"
- • "Severly" is never correct
- • Always keep the "e"
- • Follow the "e" + "ly" rule
Real-World Examples
✅ Correct Usage
"The patient was severely injured in the accident."
"The storm severely damaged the coastal area."
"He was severely punished for his actions."
"The drought severely affected crop production."
❌ Common Mistakes
"The patient was severly injured" ❌
Should be: "severely"
"The storm severly damaged" ❌
Should be: "severely"
"He was severly punished" ❌
Should be: "severely"
"The drought severly affected" ❌
Should be: "severely"
Memory Tricks & Tips
E Before LY Rule
Keep the "e" before adding "ly" to adjectives ending in "e"
Think Complete
"Severe" + "ly" = "Severely" (complete word)
Write It Out
Practice writing "severely" to build muscle memory
Proofread
Always double-check your spelling before submitting
Advanced Usage Patterns
Common Phrases
- • Severely injured - badly hurt
- • Severely damaged - heavily harmed
- • Severely punished - harshly disciplined
- • Severely affected - heavily impacted
- • Severely limited - heavily restricted
- • Severely criticized - harshly judged
Grammatical Functions
- • Adverb: "He was severely injured"
- • Modifier: "Severely damaged property"
- • Intensifier: "Severely limited options"
- • Description: "The area was severely affected"
- • Emphasis: "She was severely criticized"
- • Degree: "The pain was severely intense"
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why do people drop the "e" in "severely"?
A: The confusion often stems from the general rule that many adverbs drop the final "e" when adding "ly" (like "true" → "truly"). However, "severe" keeps its "e" before "ly."
Q: Can "severely" be used in formal writing?
A: Absolutely! "Severely" is perfectly acceptable in formal writing, academic papers, and professional communication. It's a standard English adverb.
Q: What's the etymology of "severely"?
A: "Severe" comes from Latin "severus" meaning "serious" or "strict." The adverb form "severely" follows the standard English pattern of adding "ly" to adjectives.
Q: Are there regional variations in usage?
A: No, "severely" is spelled the same way across all English-speaking regions. The spelling "severly" is never correct in any dialect or region.
Q: How can I remember the correct spelling?
A: Think of "severe" as the complete word, then add "ly." The "e" is part of the base word and should be preserved. Remember: "Severe" + "ly" = "Severely."
Q: What are some synonyms for "severely"?
A: Common synonyms include: seriously, badly, heavily, critically, gravely, intensely, and harshly.
Q: Can "severely" be used positively?
A: While "severely" often indicates negative intensity, it can be used neutrally to describe degree, such as "severely limited" or "severely restricted" without necessarily being negative.
Q: What's the difference between "severely" and "very"?
A: "Severely" indicates a high degree with emphasis on the serious or intense nature, while "very" is a general intensifier. "Severely injured" emphasizes the seriousness, while "very injured" just indicates degree.
Key Takeaway
Always remember: "Severely" keeps the "e" before "ly."
"Severly" is never correct in any context.
💡 Pro Tip: Think "SEVERE + LY = SEVERELY"