What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
orthography
Example
The orthography of English can be challenging for non-native speakers. [orthography: noun]
Example
Linguists study the orthography of various languages to understand their writing systems. [orthography: noun]
Example
Good handwriting is an important aspect of orthography. [orthography: noun]
spelling
Example
I need to check the spelling of this word in the dictionary. [spelling: noun]
Example
She has excellent spelling skills and rarely makes mistakes. [spelling: adjective]
Example
We practiced spelling words with silent letters in class today. [spelling: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Spelling is more commonly used than orthography in everyday language. Spelling is a basic skill that is taught in schools and used in daily communication, while orthography is a more specialized term that is used in academic or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between orthography and spelling?
Orthography is typically associated with a formal and technical tone, while spelling is more casual and accessible, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
