How to Spell Putting: The Complete Guide
The Short Answer
The correct spelling is Putting (with two T's).
Common misspellings like "puting" or "puttng" are incorrect.
🔊 Listen: How to pronounce 'Putting'
Why is "Putting" Spelled with Double T?
If you've ever hesitated before writing "putting," you're not alone. The reason for the double 't' comes down to a fundamental rule in English grammar regarding suffixes.
The Doubling Rule (CVC)
When a one-syllable verb ends in a Consonant-Vowel-Consonant (CVC) pattern, you must double the final consonant before adding a suffix that starts with a vowel (like -ing or -ed).
Let's look at the verb PUT:
- P - Consonant
- U - Vowel
- T - Consonant
Since "put" fits the CVC pattern, we double the 't' to get Putting. This ensures the vowel 'u' keeps its short sound. If we wrote "puting," it would rhyme with "computing," which is definitely not what we want!
🔊 Listen: How to pronounce 'Put'
Two Meanings, One Spelling
Interestingly, the word "putting" has two distinct meanings, but they are spelled exactly the same way.
1. Putting (Verb: To Place)
The present participle of "put". Meaning to place something in a particular position.
"I am putting the groceries away."
2. Putting (Noun/Verb: Golf)
The action of hitting a golf ball gently across the green.
"He needs to work on his putting game."
Common Misspellings to Avoid
- ✗ Puting - Missing the second 't'.
- ✗ Puttin - Dropping the 'g' (common in casual speech, but incorrect in writing).
- ✗ Putten - Incorrect suffix.
FAQ: How to Spell Putting
How do you spell putting in golf?
It is spelled Putting. Even though it comes from the noun "putt" (which already has two t's), the spelling remains the same as the verb form of "put".
Is it puting or putting?
It is always Putting. "Puting" is not a word in standard English.
How to spell put in past tense?
The past tense of "put" is simply put. For example: "Yesterday, I put the keys on the table."