how to spell: calendar
So which is correct?
calender
callendar
calendar
He marked the date on his calendar.
My calendar is full for the rest of the week.
Why we spell it like this.
Calendar is spelt with an end -ar and not with an end -er because it's from Latin calendarium/kalendarium. Those first English dictionary makers loved spelling words like their Latin roots, and didn't care whether words were easy to spell.
Spelling Strategies
Let's look at some spelling strategies to help us remember the spelling. It's not a word we use all the time but when we do need it, it's great to have a memory trick to help us remember the spelling.
Noticing and remembering the vowels in calendar is especially important because they’re the tricky bits. See the middle e between the two a's. This is a great strategy for dyslexics.
Syllable breakdown. We can break calendar into syllables. There are a few ways to do this. Say the syllables slowly and exaggerate them: "ca-len-dar" or "cal-en-dar" or "ca-lend-ar". Use whatever is easy for you and helps you spell the word.
Memory Tricks
We can use memory tricks, especially words within words for a tricky parts of the spelling, especially tricky letter or letters. And then use a sentence to remind us.
Can you see 'lend' in calendar? Check your calendar to see if you can lend a hand. This helps us remember the 'e' in the middle and one 'l'.
We have a name Len in there: Len checks his calendar every day.
To remember the tricky end 'a' at the end, think of dates or days. A calendar has days and dates. A calendar is a list of dates.
Check your calendar for dates and see if you can lend a hand.
Use your own memory tricks to help you remember tricky spellings.
And use a dictionary or spellcheck to help you. There is absolutely nothing wrong with using these if it helps you spell well.
So which is correct?
calender
callendar
calendar
Sentences
He marked the date on his calendar.
I made a note of the day on my online calendar.
The Derby is a major event in the racing calendar.
Salaries will be paid at the end of the calendar month.
Check out the other Commonly Misspelled Word lessons