Publicly Or Publically – How To Spell It Correctly

26/11/2023 2min Language rules
Updated on 13/02/2025

Publicly-or-publically-01

Learning to spell English words can be a challenging task for students, particularly when it comes to certain words. It could be due to differences in spelling compared to similar words in other languages, or inconsistencies in pronunciation. One of the most common spelling mistakes is with the word “publicly/publically”. In this guide, we’ll provide a detailed overview of the correct spelling, along with sample sentences.

The correct spelling of “publicly”

“Publicly” is an adverb in English. It is the adverbial form of the adjective “public.” Adverbs typically modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to provide additional information about how, when, where, or to what degree an action or quality is performed. In the case of “publicly,” it modifies the verb or action it is associated with to indicate that the action is performed in a public manner or for public observation.

Correct spelling

publicly

Incorrect spelling

publically

The correct spelling is “publicly,” and it should not be spelt as “publically.” While “publically” might seem like a reasonable variation, it is considered incorrect in standard English. The adverbial form of the adjective “public” is universally accepted as “publicly.”

Examples

  • She publicly announced her candidacy for mayor.
  • The company’s managing director apologised publicly for the product recall.
  • The artist displayed her work publicly in the local gallery.

FAQs

The correct spelling is “publicly.”

The spelling “publicly” is considered correct because it obeys the standard rules of English spelling and word formation. It is derived from the adjective “public,” and when creating the adverb form of “public,” you simply add the suffix “-ly” to form “publicly.” This spelling adheres to the conventions of English grammar and pronunciation.

“Publicly” means in a manner that is open, observable, or visible to the general public or a group of people. It is used to describe actions or statements that are made or performed in a way that can be witnessed or known by others. “Publicly” often implies transparency and openness in how something is done or communicated.

Australians, like all English speakers, spell “publicly” with a single “l.” The correct spelling in Australia, as in other varieties of English, is “publicly.”

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By
Viktoria Kwiatkowski
 
About the author

Viktoria is currently on her path towards a bachelor’s degree in Intercultural Management. Her academic journey is complemented by her role at BachelorPrint, where she excels as a writer committed to simplifying complex topics for students. What sets Viktoria apart is her linguistic versatility, effortlessly transitioning between English and German. Through her bilingual expertise, she opens doors to knowledge for students, transcending language barriers.

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Cite This Article
Bibliography
Kwiatkowski, V. (2023, November 26). Publicly Or Publically – How To Spell It Correctly. BachelorPrint. https://www.bachelorprint.com/uk/spelling-mistakes/publicly-or-publically/ (retrieved 12/09/2026)
In-text citation
Parenthetical
(Kwiatkowski , 2023)
Narrative
Kwiatkowski (2023)
Bibliography
Kwiatkowski, Viktoria. 2023. "Publicly Or Publically – How To Spell It Correctly." BachelorPrint, Retrieved September 12, 2026. https://www.bachelorprint.com/uk/spelling-mistakes/publicly-or-publically/.
In-text citation
Parenthetical
(Kwiatkowski 2023)
Bibliography
Viktoria Kwiatkowski, "Publicly Or Publically – How To Spell It Correctly," BachelorPrint, November 26, 2023, https://www.bachelorprint.com/uk/spelling-mistakes/publicly-or-publically/ (retrieved September 12, 2026).
Footnotes
Short note
Kwiatkowski, "Shortened title."
Bibliography
Kwiatkowski, Viktoria: Publicly Or Publically – How To Spell It Correctly, in: BachelorPrint, 26/11/2023, [online] https://www.bachelorprint.com/uk/spelling-mistakes/publicly-or-publically/ (retrieved 12/09/2026).
Footnotes
Full note
Kwiatkowski, Viktoria: Publicly Or Publically – How To Spell It Correctly, in: BachelorPrint, 26/11/2023, [online] https://www.bachelorprint.com/uk/spelling-mistakes/publicly-or-publically/ (retrieved 12/09/2026).
Direct quote
Kwiatkowski, 2023.
Indirect quote
Kwiatkowski, 2023.
Bibliography
Kwiatkowski, Viktoria (2023): Publicly Or Publically – How To Spell It Correctly, in: BachelorPrint, [online] https://www.bachelorprint.com/uk/spelling-mistakes/publicly-or-publically/ (retrieved 12/09/2026).
In-text citation
Direct quote
(Kwiatkowski, 2023)
Indirect quote
(Kwiatkowski, 2023)
Narrative
Kwiatkowski (2023)
Bibliography
Kwiatkowski, Viktoria. "Publicly Or Publically – How To Spell It Correctly." BachelorPrint, 26/11/2023, https://www.bachelorprint.com/uk/spelling-mistakes/publicly-or-publically/ (retrieved 12/09/2026).
In-text citation
Parenthetical
(Kwiatkowski)
Narrative
Kwiatkowski
Bibliography
Number. Kwiatkowski V. Publicly Or Publically – How To Spell It Correctly [Internet]. BachelorPrint. 2023 [cited 12/09/2026]. Available from: https://www.bachelorprint.com/uk/spelling-mistakes/publicly-or-publically/


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