CHAPTER 12

Single or Double l

There are a number of prefixes and suffixes that contain a double l. For example:

(^) Finally, please note that there is extraordinary confusion over lie and lay. Even the dictionaries agree to
disagree. Perhaps it would help to bear in mind that “chickens lay and people lie.”
Although these affixes are quite common, there is often confusion as to when to retain the extra l. The
spelling rule is quite simple:
In all but a very few cases, the second l is dropped.
Considering the many hundreds of words that include these prefixes and suffixes, it sometimes seems
that they are never used with the double l. This is almost always true. Note, for example, that when full,
well, and all are used as suffixes or prefixes. they are always spelled with only one l:
(^) At times it may look as if the double l is retained. This is not the case. When the suffix ly is added, the
extra l is dropped so there are not three l’s in a row:
(^) Hyphenated words retain the double l:
(^) Derivatives of a word must retain the double l:
(^) Note that the word fully is the word full plus ly with the third l dropped. It therefore follows the rule.
While the charming old word farewell retains the double l, the equally ancient word welcome adheres
to the rule and drops the second l. Interestingly, the word fulfil manages to drop the second l twice.
While the words alright and all right both follow the rules, the former is acceptable only in certain
contexts.
The word alone comes from all one and follows the rules.
Note that the word fill is rarely used as a prefix or suffix. It is usually the root word, a derivative, or
part of a compound:
(^) With the words skill, will, and till, we come to a transitional stage. Some words have lost the extra l
while others still retain it.