Awfull, Aweful, Awefull, or Awful? How to Spell It…

In our list of hard words to spell in the English language, “awful” vs. “awfull,” “awefull,” or “aweful” is right up there in difficulty! What is the correct way to write the word that means “bad or unpleasant,” and what are tricks to remember it? Let’s learn them now!

As background, my name is Ms. Marshall, and I’ve been an English teacher for twenty years. I’m also an artist, so each and every picture on this site from the beginning (not “begining!”) is hand-drawn by me with love.

Awfull, Awefull, or Aweful?

The first thing you need to know is that the spellings “awfull,” “awefull,” and “aweful” are INCORRECT. These words aren’t real words at all in English — they’re just figments of the imagination that should be tossed out the window, like “beleive.”

Why is This Confusing?

It is perplexing to many of us that the spelling “awefull” doesn’t exist, because “awe” actually IS a word, as is “full.” (See my article on “aww or awe” for more on this.) However, our dear friend the English language doesn’t always make sense, so sometimes we just need to memorize the correct spellings, illogical though they may be. Here’s a trick to do so…

How to Spell Awful

What’s the trick to remember how to spell “awful” — the correct way to write the word? Look at my illustration above to influence your thinking…

In the illustration, a person is holding up their hand and yelling, “Stop that awful noise!” Notice how their raised hand has FIVE fingers — and the word “A-W-F-U-L” has FIVE letters! Now you can use this trick to remember the correct spelling every time (not “everytime“).

Awfull, Aweful, Awefull, and Awful Spelling, in Sum

Hopefully this illustrated lesson has helped you toss “awfull,” “aweful,” and “awefull” in the trash, in exchange for the correct way to spell the word: “awful.” It definitely has five letters, just like your five fingers!

What other commonly misspelled words would you like me to illustrate and explain? Do share in the comments section, below!