“Preferably” vs. “Preferrably”: Which One Is Correct?

Only one of these words is standard English:

Preferably → ✔ correct (means ‘ideally’ or ‘if possible’) Preferrably → ✘ incorrect (common misspelling)

Let’s make it simple.

1. Preferably

Meaning

Preferably means ideally, if possible, or in a way that is preferred.
Use it when expressing a better or more desirable option.

Examples (10 total)

1. Arrive early, preferably by 8 a.m.
2. She wants a room with a view, preferably on a high floor.
3. Preferably, choose the healthier option.
4. We need someone available immediately, preferably today.
5. He prefers tea, preferably without sugar.
6. Choose dark colors, preferably navy or black.
7. The meeting should be brief, preferably under an hour.
8. Please respond soon, preferably by email.
9. They want the work finished quickly, preferably this week.
10. Take the test in a quiet place, preferably alone.

🧠 Tip:
If it means “ideally”, the spelling is preferably (ONE r in the middle).

2. Preferrably

Meaning

Preferrably is not a real English word.
The confusion comes from the verb prefer having a double r in some forms (preferred, preferring).

But the adverb preferably never doubles the r.

Incorrect Examples

❌ We will meet tomorrow, preferrably in the afternoon.
❌ Preferrably choose a cheaper flight.
❌ She wants something preferrably smaller.

Correct all to preferably.

3. Quick Comparison Table

4. How to Remember

👉 Preferably keeps the same pattern as “preferable.”
👉 If the base word is “preferable,” the adverb is “preferably.”

Memory trick:
If you can say “preferable,” then the adverb is preferably — one “r” in the middle.

5. Common Mistakes

❌ Adding an extra “r”
✔ Use only one: prefe-r-ably

❌ Assuming it follows “preferred/preferring”
✔ Different word family pattern

❌ Thinking both spellings exist
✔ Only preferably is accepted everywhere

Writing More Naturally

Spelling mistakes like preferrably can make writing look less polished. To keep tone natural and clean, an humanize AI text tool can refine spelling, grammar, and flow effortlessly.

FAQs

1. Is “preferrably” ever correct?

No — it's always incorrect.

2. Is “preferably” formal or informal?

Both — it works in all writing styles.

3. Does it mean the same as “ideally”?

Yes — they are often interchangeable.

4. Can it start a sentence?

Yes: “Preferably, choose the quiet room.”

Practice: Choose the Correct Spelling

(Answers at the end.)

1. Choose the earlier flight, __________.
2. We hope to finish today, __________ tomorrow.
3. She wants something simple, __________ without decoration.
4. Arrive before noon, __________ by 11 a.m.
5. Pick a darker shade, __________ navy.
6. Please reply soon, __________ tonight.
7. The meeting should be short, __________ under 30 minutes.
8. He prefers coffee, __________ black.
9. Bring two copies, __________ printed.
10. We’d like to start now, __________ immediately.

Answers

1. preferably
2. preferably
3. preferably
4. preferably
5. preferably
6. preferably
7. preferably
8. preferably
9. preferably
10. preferably