In our fast-paced world of communication, especially in the digital era, it’s easy to make small, yet significant, spelling errors. One of the most common mistakes people make is confusing “messege” with “message.” While this may seem like a small typo, it can have a big impact on how your communication is perceived.
This article will not only help you understand the correct spelling of “message,” but also explain why “messege” appears so often and how you can avoid such errors in the future.
What Is the Correct Spelling: “Messege” or “Message”?
The correct spelling is “message.” This word refers to information or communication that is transmitted from one person to another, either through speech, writing, or electronic mediums like texts, emails, or social media posts.
The word “messege,” however, is not a recognized word in the English language and is a typographical error that many people make when they type too quickly or rely on phonetic sounds. The confusion between “messege” and “message” is a frequent occurrence because of their similar pronunciation. Understanding and using the correct spelling of “message” is important, especially in professional communication, where errors can affect how others perceive you and your message.
Why is the spelling “messege” wrong?
The misspelling of “messege” is simply a typographical error. The reason it is so common is that English is full of spelling inconsistencies. Many words are spelled differently from how they sound, which can lead to confusion when typing quickly or relying on memory. In the case of “message,” the mistake happens because people assume there should be an additional “e” after the “s” sound, due to the way the word sounds when spoken.
Definition of “Message”
A message is defined as a piece of communication or information conveyed from one person to another. Messages can take many forms, such as written communication (emails, letters, text messages), spoken communication (verbal exchanges), or even digital communication (social media posts or instant messages).
The core element of a message is that it carries specific information that is meant to be received, understood, and acted upon by the recipient. For example, you might send someone a message about a meeting time or give them a message on how to proceed with a project.
When you use the word “message”, you are referring to a unit of communication designed to inform, instruct, or express feelings or ideas to someone else. Using the incorrect spelling “messege” is a form of misspelling that can undermine the clarity of your message and detract from its professionalism.
Correct Usage Example
A correct usage of “message” in a sentence would look like this:
“I left you a message about the schedule change.”
In this example, the word “message” clearly refers to a written or spoken communication passed from one person to another. The sentence is clear, concise, and professional, effectively conveying the intended meaning.
On the other hand, using “messege” in the same sentence would be a spelling mistake that would detract from the professional quality of the communication. Although the recipient may still understand the message, the spelling error could make the sender appear careless or unprofessional, especially in a business setting where professional communication is crucial.
Incorrect Usage Example
An example of incorrect usage might look like this:
“I sent you a messege about the changes in the meeting.”
Here, the word “messege” is not just a small error – it’s an issue that could affect how the reader perceives the sender. While the meaning is still understood, the spelling mistake can affect the credibility and professionalism of the message. The sentence would be seen as rushed or careless, which can lead to a loss of trust in a business context.
Even though the spelling error is minor, it can leave a negative impression. Spelling errors are often perceived as grammar mistakes that suggest a lack of attention to detail, which could be costly in professional settings. If you want your written communication to be clear, effective, and professional, spelling matters.
Why Does “Messege” Appear So Often?
There are several reasons why “messege” is a frequent misspelling of “message.” Understanding these causes can help you avoid making the same mistake. Let’s break down the reasons why this typographical error happens so often:
Phonetic Confusion
The most common reason for the confusion between “messege” and “message” is phonetic confusion. The word “message” has a soft “s” sound, and people often hear the pronunciation as if the word includes an extra “e” sound. This results in the assumption that the word should be spelled “messege” rather than “message.”
English pronunciation does not always align with spelling, leading to these kinds of common errors. For example, the word “message” has a soft “a” sound, and when spoken, it might sound like “messege” to some people. This phonetic confusion leads to spelling mistakes when the word is typed out.
Typing Errors
Another significant cause of the error is typing mistakes. When we type quickly, especially in informal settings such as text messages or emails, it’s easy to make small mistakes that we might not immediately catch. A typing error, like accidentally adding an extra “e,” is a simple mistake that can be easily overlooked, especially when we are in a hurry.
Typing speed can often result in these kinds of errors, as we might type “messege” when trying to quickly type “message.” The brain automatically processes and adjusts for errors, which is why sometimes we don’t even notice that we’ve made a mistake until we take a second look.
Autocorrect Problems
Autocorrect is another factor that contributes to this misspelling. While autocorrect can be useful for correcting obvious spelling errors, it’s not perfect. Sometimes, autocorrect tools don’t catch common misspellings like “messege” because they’re not recognized as “incorrect” by the algorithm. Instead, autocorrect might just replace the word with something unrelated, such as “massage,” which can further complicate the issue.
In addition, autocorrect tends to prioritize most frequently used words, sometimes overlooking context or the intended meaning of the word. This can lead to inappropriate or incorrect substitutions that compromise the clarity of your message.
Psychological Tendencies
Finally, psychological tendencies play a role in this error. When we type words we’re familiar with, our brains often “fill in the blanks” for us, based on past experience. This automatic mental correction can lead to the misremembering of spelling, resulting in errors like “messege” instead of “message.”
Our brains may recognize the word’s structure and assume it’s correct, even when it’s not. This mental shortcut is why spelling errors can sometimes go unnoticed, particularly in words that we use frequently and think we know well.
The Impact of Spelling Errors on Professionalism
While spelling errors like “messege” may seem trivial, they can have a profound effect on how your writing is perceived. Professionalism is an essential element in all forms of communication, especially in the business world. The smallest spelling error can undermine your credibility and reduce the effectiveness of your message.
Decreased Credibility
The primary impact of misspelled words is that they can damage your credibility. A well-written email, report, or proposal conveys professionalism, but even a small error can make the recipient doubt your attention to detail. For example, if you send a business email that contains the misspelling “messege,” the reader may perceive you as careless or inattentive to important details.
Reduced Trust
Frequent spelling mistakes in written communication can erode trust. If a person is constantly making errors in spelling or grammar, the reader may begin to question the reliability of the writer. In professional environments, maintaining a trustworthy reputation is key, and spelling errors can work against that.
Missed Opportunities
In professional settings, even minor errors can lead to missed opportunities. For instance, if you submit a proposal that contains multiple spelling mistakes, you may not only lose credibility but also risk being overlooked for a job or promotion. Ensuring that your writing is error-free helps you avoid these negative outcomes and presents you as a polished and competent professional.
Read More: Mastering English Spelling: “Comming” or “Coming”?
Preventing Errors: How to Avoid Writing “Messege” Instead of “Message”
So, how can you ensure that you avoid making the same mistake? Here are a few tips to help you avoid misspelling “messege” and improve your writing in general.
Proofread Your Writing
Proofreading is an essential step in the writing process. Even if you’re typing quickly, it’s crucial to take a moment to read over your work before sending it out. This extra step allows you to catch any spelling mistakes, including the “messege” error, and correct them. Proofreading can be done manually, or you can use a proofreading tool to help identify mistakes.
Use Digital Tools
There are numerous spell-check tools and writing aids available today that can automatically detect errors like “messege.” Tools like Grammarly, Google Docs, and Microsoft Word’s built-in spell-check function will highlight misspelled words and suggest corrections. These tools are particularly useful for catching common errors in spelling and grammar.
Practice Commonly Confused Words
If you have a habit of mixing up words like “messege” and “message,” it can be helpful to keep a list of commonly confused words and review them periodically. Writing out the correct spelling repeatedly can help commit it to memory and reduce the likelihood of future mistakes.
Slow Down While Typing
Finally, slowing down your typing speed can help reduce the number of typing mistakes you make. Taking your time to carefully type out each word allows you to be more accurate and avoid errors like “messege.”
Common Misspellings and Their Fixes
Here’s a quick reference table of some of the most common spelling mistakes people make, along with their correct spellings.
| Incorrect Spelling | Correct Spelling | Why It Happens |
| Messege | Message | Phonetic confusion and typing error |
| Recieve | Receive | Misapplication of the “i before e” rule |
| Seperate | Separate | Vowel error |
| Definately | Definitely | Misunderstanding of the silent “i” |
| Occured | Occurred | Omission of the double letter |
The Role of Tools in Avoiding Mistakes
In the digital age, tools for writing such as spell-checkers and autocorrect features play an important role in ensuring that you don’t make errors like “messege” instead of “message.” These tools can quickly identify mistakes and suggest corrections, but it’s essential to also use them alongside manual proofreading. Digital tools are incredibly helpful, but they should not replace careful attention to detail.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while it may seem like a small detail, correctly spelling “message” instead of “messege” can have a significant impact on the clarity and professionalism of your written communication. By understanding the causes of this misspelling and following the tips provided, you can avoid this common error and ensure that your writing remains accurate, clear, and professional. Effective communication is built on clarity, and attention to detail—including proper spelling—helps to strengthen your message and improve your professional image.
So, the next time you type a message, take a moment to double-check your spelling. It might seem like a small thing, but it can make a big difference in how your communication is received.
