Apparently and apparantly look close, but only one is a real, standard spelling. The word apparently is an adverb people use when something seems true, or when a fact surprises you after you assumed the opposite.
Correct vs Wrong
Key detail: apparently has two p letters, one r, and the vowel e in -ent-.
- Part of Speech: Adverb
- Main Idea: “it seems / reportedly”
- Common Role: Sentence modifier
- Typical Context: Uncertainty or correction
The Correct Spelling
The correct form is apparently. It’s the standard spelling you’ll find in major dictionaries, used as an adverb meaning “it seems” or “based on what is known/heard”. The variant apparantly is simply a misspelling. ✅Source
- Letters To Watch: pp + one r + e in -ent-
- Not A Variant: apparantly is not a recognized alternative spelling
- Common “Near-Miss”: apparrently (extra r) also appears in informal writing
| Form | Status | What’s Off (Or Not) | Fast Visual Check |
|---|---|---|---|
| apparently | ✅ Correct | -ent- vowel is e, and there is one r | app + ar + ent + ly |
| apparantly | ❌ Wrong | Switches e to a in -ant-, which doesn’t match the real word | app + ar + ant + ly |
What Apparently Means
Apparently often signals that the speaker is relying on appearance, reports, or limited information. It can also show that reality is different from what someone expected, without sounding dramatic or absolute. ✅Source
- “So I’ve Heard / So It Seems”: used when you’re not presenting something as a hard fact. Example: “They’re moving next month, apparently.”
- “Turns Out”: used when the real situation corrects an assumption. Example: “I thought the store was closed, but apparently it isn’t.”
- Surface-Level Description: used to describe something that looks a certain way. Example: “An apparently simple task can hide a few steps.”
Meaning Tone: apparently usually adds a shade of uncertainty or distance. It’s not the same as definitely, and it doesn’t claim you have complete proof.
Why the Misspelling Happens
The misspelling apparantly usually comes from mixing up the endings -ent and -ant. The base adjective is apparent (with -ent), and apparently simply adds -ly. ✅Source
- Ending Confusion: -ant feels familiar because many adjectives use it, so people “autofill” it
- Sound-First Writing: when you write by ear, apparently can tempt the wrong vowel
- Fast Typing: the e in -ent- is easy to miss when you’re moving quickly
Pronunciation And Structure
Pronunciation won’t “fix” spelling by itself, but it can explain why the middle gets messy. Many dictionaries give forms like /əˈpɛrəntli/ and /əˈpærəntli/, which place the unstressed vowel right where people often type a instead of e. ✅Source
- Word Parts
- apparent + -ly → apparently
- Letter Pattern
- pp + one r + e in -ent- + ly
- What “Apparantly” Changes
- It swaps e for a in the middle: -ant- instead of -ent-
Grammar Role
Apparently is an adverb, which means it can modify a verb, an adjective, another adverb, or even an entire sentence. Many adverbs are formed with -ly, and apparently follows that familiar pattern. ✅Source
Sentence-Modifier Use
Apparently can describe the whole statement, adding uncertainty or “this is what it looks like.”
Example: “Apparently, the meeting starts at nine.”
Inside-The-Clause Use
Placed mid-sentence, apparently often feels more matter-of-fact, like a small qualifier rather than a headline.
Example: “He has apparently finished the report.”
Where It Sits
Adverbs can move around, and apparently is a good example. Placement can shift what feels emphasized or how strongly the sentence reads, even if the core idea stays similar. ✅Source
- Front: “Apparently, the package arrived early.” (Sets the tone first.)
- Middle: “The package apparently arrived early.” (Feels neutral and report-like.)
- End: “The package arrived early, apparently.” (Sounds conversational.)
Comma Feel: When apparently opens a sentence, a comma is common. In the middle, commas are often optional and depend on rhythm and emphasis.
Examples in Context
These examples keep the meaning clear while showing the two big flavors of apparently: reported/uncertain and surprising correction. Notice how the word stays the same, but the tone changes.
- Reported Info: “She’s joining the team next week, apparently.” (You heard it, but you’re not vouching for it.)
- Correction: “I thought the museum was closed on Mondays, but apparently it’s open.” (Reality beats your assumption.)
- Surface Description: “An apparently minor change can affect the schedule.” (It looks minor at first glance.)
- Softened Statement: “He was apparently distracted during the call.” (You’re describing what it seemed like.)
- Unexpected Detail: “The device looks simple, but apparently it needs a calibration step.” (A ‘turns out’ moment.)
Common Nearby Confusions
People don’t only mix up apparently with apparantly. They also confuse the adjective and adverb forms, or assume it has the same force as stronger certainty words.
| Form | Part of Speech | Core Sense | Example Snapshot |
|---|---|---|---|
| apparent | Adjective | visible / seems true | “There was an apparent delay.” |
| apparently | Adverb | it seems / reportedly | “Apparently, there was a delay.” |
| definitely | Adverb | certainty | “It’s definitely delayed.” |
| evidently | Adverb | based on evidence | “It’s evidently delayed.” |
FAQ
Common Questions
Is “apparantly” ever correct in English?
No. apparantly is treated as a misspelling. Standard English uses apparently.
How many “r” letters are in “apparently”?
Apparently has one r. Confusions often add an extra r or swap the vowel in the middle.
Does “apparently” mean the same as “definitely”?
Not really. Apparently usually signals limited certainty or “this is how it seems,” while definitely signals firm certainty.
Can “apparently” describe a noun directly?
It doesn’t modify nouns the way adjectives do. Apparently is an adverb, so it typically modifies a verb, an adjective, another adverb, or the whole sentence.
Why do people type “apparantly” so often?
The middle syllable is often unstressed in speech, so the vowel can feel blurry. That makes -ent- easy to mistype as -ant-, producing apparantly.
Is “Apparently, …” with a comma always required?
Not always. A comma is common when apparently opens a sentence, but punctuation can shift with rhythm and emphasis.