The correct spelling of the word submitted is a common topic for English learners and even native speakers who sometimes get confused when writing in the past tense. The word is often used in formal writing, academic contexts, business communication, and online forms where people refer to sending or presenting something for approval. Understanding the correct spelling, pronunciation, and usage of submitted is essential for anyone who wants to write English accurately and professionally. Since it appears frequently in everyday language, it’s important to know not only how to spell it correctly but also how to use it in different grammatical forms.
Understanding the Word Submitted
The word submitted is the past tense and past participle form of the verb submit. It means to present or send something for consideration, judgment, or approval. When you submit a document, form, or assignment, you are delivering it to another person or institution, usually for review or evaluation. The correct spelling has a double t, which sometimes confuses people because they wonder whether it should have one or two t letters.
The spelling follows a common English rule for verbs that end with a single consonant preceded by a single vowel. When you add -ed to form the past tense, you double the final consonant. This rule applies when the last syllable is stressed, as in submit. Therefore, submit becomes submitted. This doubling helps preserve the original pronunciation and maintain consistency in the language.
Correct Spelling and Common Mistakes
The correct spelling issubmitted. Some common incorrect spellings include
- submited
- submittid
- submitet
- submittted (with three t’s)
Among these, submited is the most frequent mistake. The reason people misspell it this way is because they forget to double the consonant t. This error often occurs when writers are typing quickly or when English is not their first language. However, using the correct spelling submitted is important because misspelling it can make your writing appear unprofessional or careless, especially in formal or academic settings.
Grammar Rules Behind Submitted
The word submitted comes from the base verb submit, which follows a standard spelling rule in English for forming the past tense. When a one-syllable verb ends with a single vowel followed by a single consonant, you double the consonant before adding -ed. For multisyllabic verbs like submit, the same rule applies when the stress is on the final syllable. Since the stress in submit falls on mit, the final t is doubled before adding -ed.
Let’s look at a few examples of similar verbs that follow the same rule
- permit → permitted
- admit → admitted
- commit → committed
In each of these examples, the final consonant is doubled before adding -ed. This helps maintain the correct pronunciation of the verb. On the other hand, if the stress were on the first syllable, you would not double the consonant. For example, visit becomes visited, not visitted.
How to Use Submitted in Sentences
Once you know the correct spelling of submitted, it’s important to understand how to use it in a sentence. It is a verb in its past or past participle form, which means it can appear in various tenses depending on the context.
Examples in Simple Past Tense
- I submitted my homework before the deadline.
- They submitted their application for the job yesterday.
- The student submitted the report to the professor.
Examples in Present Perfect Tense
- She has submitted her resignation letter.
- We have submitted all the necessary documents.
- He has already submitted his proposal for approval.
Examples in Passive Voice
- The form was submitted electronically.
- The report was submitted on time by the team.
- The data were submitted to the research committee.
As seen in these examples, submitted is a versatile word that can appear in different grammatical constructions depending on the tense and subject of the sentence.
Pronunciation and Phonetic Details
The correct pronunciation of submitted is /səbˈmɪtɪd/. The stress falls on the second syllable, mit, which helps explain why the final t is doubled in the spelling. When pronouncing it, the first syllable sub sounds like suhb, while the second part mitted sounds like mit-id. Understanding the stress pattern also reinforces the correct spelling since doubling the final consonant aligns with the emphasis in pronunciation.
Synonyms and Related Words
In English, submitted can be replaced with several synonyms depending on the context. While it’s important to spell submitted correctly, learning alternative words can also help expand vocabulary and make writing more dynamic. Some common synonyms include
- Presented
- Delivered
- Filed
- Offered
- Forwarded
- Handed in
Each synonym carries a slightly different tone or level of formality. For example, filed is often used in legal or administrative contexts (He filed the complaint), while handed in is more informal and used in academic settings (She handed in her essay).
Uses of Submitted in Different Contexts
The word submitted is widely used in professional, academic, and digital environments. Its meaning slightly shifts depending on the setting, but the essence of sending or presenting something remains consistent.
Academic Context
Students and researchers frequently use submitted when referring to assignments, theses, or research papers. For instance The student submitted the final draft of the dissertation before the deadline. Using the correct spelling here is crucial since academic institutions value precision and attention to detail.
Business and Professional Context
In offices, submitted is often used for reports, applications, and project proposals. For example The manager submitted the quarterly report to the board. Accurate spelling helps maintain professionalism in written communication, which is essential in business correspondence.
Online and Digital Context
With the rise of digital platforms, the term submitted appears frequently on websites, apps, and online forms. Messages like Your response has been submitted confirm that a user’s input has been received. Even in these automated systems, the correct spelling is important for maintaining trust and clarity in communication.
Memory Tips for Remembering the Correct Spelling
If you often forget how to spell submitted, there are simple ways to remember it
- Think of the base word submit and remember to double the t before adding ed.
- Say it slowly sub mit ted. The double t sound in pronunciation reminds you of the double letter in spelling.
- Compare it with similar words like admitted or committed that also double their final consonant before adding ed.
- Practice writing it in short sentences until it becomes natural.
Why Correct Spelling Matters
Spelling accuracy might seem minor, but it plays a significant role in communication. Using the correct spelling of submitted ensures your writing looks polished and professional. It also avoids confusion and shows respect for the language and your audience. In formal environments such as education, business, and legal documentation, a misspelled word can affect credibility or even lead to misunderstandings.
Correct spelling is especially important in written English because, unlike spoken communication, there are no vocal cues or tone to clarify meaning. Therefore, every letter contributes to how clearly your message is received. Submitted, being a frequently used word, is worth learning correctly once and for all.
The correct spelling of submitted follows a clear grammatical rule and reflects the structure of English verb conjugation. It is spelled with a double t to maintain pronunciation and grammatical accuracy. Understanding why it’s spelled this way not only helps you remember the correct form but also strengthens your grasp of similar words. Whether you’re writing an essay, filling out a form, or sending an official email, knowing how to spell submitted correctly ensures that your writing remains clear, professional, and accurate. With consistent practice and awareness, mastering this word becomes second nature, adding confidence to your English communication skills.