When typing quickly or sending texts on a mobile device, many people tend to mix up two similar-sounding words: message and messege. This confusion often leads to a spelling mistake that can impact the clarity and professionalism of your communication. Whether you’re drafting an email, writing a text message, or working on a business proposal, knowing the correct spelling of message is crucial to ensuring your writing is precise and credible.
This article explores the differences between message or messege, clears up any confusion, and provides useful tips on avoiding common spelling errors. By the end, you will understand why message is the correct form and how to use it in various contexts.
Quick Answer:
- Message is the correct spelling. Messege is a common misspelling that often results from phonetic confusion and typing errors.
Messege vs Message: Which is Correct?
Clear Explanation of the Correct Spelling: “Message”
The correct spelling is “message”, not “messege.” While it’s easy to make this mistake, especially when typing quickly or in a rush, “messege” is a common misspelling. In English, spelling mistakes can cause confusion, so it’s essential to get things right, especially in formal or professional communication. “Message” is the proper term to use when referring to any form of communication, whether verbal, written, or digital.
Why “Messege” is Wrong
The incorrect spelling “messege” is not supported by any standard dictionary or academic resource. It’s simply a mistake that arises from a misunderstanding of the word’s pronunciation and structure. While “message” sounds like it might warrant a double “e,” there’s no grammatical rule that supports this, which makes “messege” a misspelling.
Origin of the Word and Its Correct Spelling Through Linguistic Roots
The word “message” comes from the Old French word “message,” which meant communication or a message conveyed. This, in turn, derived from the Medieval Latin “missaticum,” meaning “thing sent,” which comes from the verb “mittere” — to send. In this context, “message” has always been associated with the act of sending communication. Over time, this word maintained the same spelling, rooted in Latin, making “messege” historically and linguistically incorrect.
Why “Message” Is the Correct Spelling
Historical Evolution of the Word “Message”
The word “message” has evolved over centuries but its core form has remained consistent, with “message” appearing as early as the 13th century in English. The spelling “messege” never formally existed in any linguistic stage of the word’s development. The Middle English word “message” also shared its roots with Old French and Latin, retaining the same general meaning of communication sent or conveyed. Therefore, any attempt to spell it as “messege” is not historically supported.
Spelling Rules for Words Ending in “-age”
Many English words end with “-age” and follow specific spelling rules. These rules apply to “message,” which is consistent with other English words like “courage,” “image,” and “village.” Notice that these words don’t contain an extra “e” or diverge from their root spelling, much like “message.” Words ending in “-age” don’t typically need additional vowels after the “g,” so “messege” is a clear violation of this rule.
Why Do People Spell It as “Messege”?
Phonetic Confusion
The main reason people misspell “message” as “messege” is due to phonetic confusion. When saying the word aloud, it may sound like it needs an extra “e” to match the way it is pronounced. However, English spelling doesn’t always match pronunciation directly, and “message” is no exception. The “s” sound in “message” does not require a double “e,” so it’s important to trust the correct spelling rather than how it sounds.
Influence of Common Misspellings on the Internet and Social Media
The influence of common misspellings is widespread, particularly in online spaces. As people type quickly on their mobile phones or computers, they often don’t stop to double-check spelling. Social media platforms, where speed and brevity often take priority, can perpetuate incorrect spellings like “messege.” This may create confusion when users see the misspelling so often, leading them to believe it’s the right form.
Psychological Aspect of Spelling Simplification
There’s also a psychological reason behind the prevalence of errors like “messege”. When typing quickly or texting, people often simplify their spelling in an effort to save time or effort. Autocorrect features and typing habits can reinforce these mistakes, as people may automatically assume the spelling is correct without reviewing it. Over time, this can lead to the reinforcement of incorrect patterns, making it even harder to break the habit.
Common Variants and Why They’re Incorrect
“Messege”: Why This Is an Incorrect Variant
Using “messege” is incorrect for several reasons:
- It doesn’t follow standard English spelling conventions.
- It can create confusion in professional writing or digital communication, especially when clarity is key.
- It’s not recognized in dictionaries or formal English usage.
Using “messege” can undermine your credibility and make your writing appear less professional. It’s vital to avoid using this misspelling in any formal context to ensure you maintain clarity and professionalism.
“Messages”: The Proper Use of the Plural Form
The plural form of “message” is “messages”, and it refers to more than one piece of communication. It’s important to distinguish between “messages” (the plural) and the misspelling “messege.” For example:
- Correct: I received many messages today.
- Incorrect: I received many messeges today.
It’s also essential to remember that the plural form doesn’t alter the spelling of “message” itself. The word remains spelled with a single “s” and a single “g.”
Related Words: “Massage,” “Messenger”
The confusion between “message” and words like “massage” or “messenger” can also lead to spelling issues. While “massage” (a physical treatment) and “messenger” (a person who delivers messages) sound similar, they have distinct meanings and spellings. Being mindful of these differences can help you avoid errors like “messege” in related contexts.
Here’s a table summarizing the common variants of the word “message” and explaining why they are incorrect, along with examples to demonstrate proper usage:
Variant | Explanation | Why It’s Incorrect | Examples |
---|---|---|---|
Messege | Incorrect variant of the word “message.” | – Doesn’t follow standard English spelling conventions.- Creates confusion in professional or digital communication.- Not recognized in dictionaries or formal usage.- Undermines credibility and professionalism. | Incorrect: I received many messeges today. Correct: I received many messages today. |
Messages | The correct plural form of “message.” | – “Messages” refers to multiple pieces of communication.- The correct spelling has a single “s” and “g,” not an additional “e.” | Correct: I received messages today. Incorrect: I received many messeges today. |
Massage | A separate word, referring to a physical treatment involving muscle manipulation. | – Confusion arises due to the similarity in pronunciation with “message.”– “Massage” and “message” have different meanings, so they must be used correctly in context. | Correct: I went for a massage after work. Incorrect: I went for a message after work. |
Messenger | Refers to a person who delivers messages or an app used for communication. | – This word is distinct from “message” despite similar sounds.- Confusion can arise if “messenger” is mistakenly written as “messege” or used incorrectly in context. | Correct: She is a messenger delivering important news. Incorrect: She is a messeger delivering important news. |
Key Points to Remember:
- “Messege” is always a misspelling and should be avoided in all forms of communication, particularly in professional or formal settings.
- The plural form of “message” is “messages”, and it should never be spelled “messeges.”
- “Massage” refers to a physical treatment, and “messenger” refers to a person who carries messages or an application for messaging, both of which have different meanings from “message.”
By understanding and distinguishing these words, you can ensure your writing remains clear, professional, and free of common spelling errors.
Definitions and Usage: Understanding “Message” and “Messege”
Message:
A message is a form of communication. It can refer to information sent through various mediums such as text, email, or even voice. Message is often used to describe a written or spoken communication that conveys specific content or information to someone.
- Example 1: “I left a message on your voicemail.”
- Example 2: “She sent me a message about the meeting schedule.”
Messege:
The term messege is a misspelling of message. This spelling error typically arises due to the confusion between the “s” and “ss” sounds in the word. People often spell it this way phonetically, but this variant is not recognized in standard English.
- Example of Incorrect Use: “I got your messege, but I wasn’t able to reply.”
In professional writing, using the correct form, message, enhances clarity and readability. The misspelling messege can detract from your message’s effectiveness and credibility.
Practical Tips for Avoiding “Messege” Errors
1. Use Spell-Check Tools
One of the easiest ways to avoid spelling mistakes is to use spell-check tools. Tools like Grammarly or Microsoft Word’s built-in spell-check will automatically detect errors such as “messege” and suggest the correct spelling of “message.” These tools can be invaluable in catching simple mistakes before they become problems in your writing.
2. Take Time to Proofread
Even in fast-paced environments, it’s essential to take a few extra seconds to proofread your writing. This small step can help you catch mistakes like “messege” that often slip through unnoticed when you’re typing quickly. Always take a moment to review your work before sending it out, whether it’s a text message or an email.
3. Practice Spelling with Mnemonics
To help remember the correct spelling of “message,” try using a simple mnemonic. For instance, you could think of the phrase “Every single message” to remind you that there is only one “e” after the “s” in “message”. These little tricks can be useful for ensuring accuracy in your writing.
4. Use Writing Apps
Writing apps like ProWritingAid or Hemingway Editor can also help you catch spelling errors and improve your writing overall. These apps are excellent for ensuring professionalism in writing, especially when you need to produce high-quality content.
Synonyms of “Message”
To further clarify the meaning of message, here are 10 synonyms that might be used in similar contexts:
- Communication
- Note
- Announcement
- Word
- Memo
- Statement
- Dispatch
- Notification
- Report
- Signal
Each of these synonyms can replace the word message depending on the context, though message remains the most general and widely used term.
Comparison Table: Message vs Messege
Aspect | Message | Messege |
---|---|---|
Definition | A form of communication or information. | Incorrect spelling of message. |
Common Usage | Emails, texts, notes, memos, voice messages. | Typically seen as a typing error. |
Correct Spelling | Yes, this is the correct spelling. | No, it is a misspelling. |
Professional Context | Essential for formal communication. | Should be avoided to maintain professionalism. |
Phonetic Confusion | Spelled as heard. | Often a result of fast typing or misunderstanding. |
The table above highlights the key differences between message and messege. It’s clear that message is the preferred, correct term, while messege is a spelling error that can negatively affect your writing’s professionalism.
When to Use Each Term: Choosing Correctly
Knowing when to use message is crucial for effective communication, especially in digital communication.
- Use “message” when referring to any form of communication, whether it’s a text message, email message, or instant message (IM).
- Example: “I’ll send you a message after the meeting.”
- Avoid using “messege” under any circumstances. It’s simply a misspelling of message and doesn’t belong in your writing.
Everyday Usage Examples
To solidify the correct understanding, let’s look at some real-world examples that use message correctly:
- Text Message: “I received your text message just now.”
- Open Messages: “Please open the messages I sent you yesterday.”
- Message App: “I prefer using a message app like WhatsApp for communication.”
- Business Message: “She sent a formal message about the upcoming conference.”
These examples show how message is used in everyday communication. Messege is not acceptable in any of these instances and should be corrected to message.
The Importance of Message Spelling in Professional Writing
In professional settings, correct spelling is crucial for establishing credibility and professionalism. The impact of misspelling a simple word like message can be more significant than one might think. Here’s why:
- First Impressions Matter: In professional emails, business proposals, or even informal communications, misspellings can lead to the perception that you don’t pay attention to detail. This can damage your reputation.
- Building Trust and Credibility: Accurate spelling fosters trust in your communication. A misspelling like messege makes the reader question the quality of the rest of the content.
- SEO Impact: Spelling matters in online content. Incorrect spelling, like messege, can hurt your SEO ranking. Search engines prioritize correctly spelled terms, so maintaining accurate spelling enhances your digital visibility.
By paying attention to the message spelling and avoiding misspellings like messege, you ensure that your communications are professional, credible, and optimized for online platforms.
How to Spell Message: A Mnemonic for Easy Memory
If you’re prone to typing errors or phonetic confusion, here’s a simple mnemonic to help you remember how to spell message:
- M is for Medium – A message is sent through various mediums.
- E is for Express – A message expresses something important.
- S is for Speak – A message can be spoken or written.
- S is for Send – Message is meant to be sent.
- A is for Answer – The purpose of a message is often to provide an answer.
- G is for Get – A message helps you get your point across.
- E is for End – A message concludes the communication.
This simple mnemonic can make it easier to remember that the correct form is message, not messege.
How to Pronounce Message Correctly
The pronunciation of message can also contribute to confusion when spelling it. It’s pronounced as /ˈmesɪdʒ/, with the soft “s” sound at the beginning and the “j” sound at the end. Understanding this pronunciation can help you avoid errors in spelling when typing or writing.
Pronunciation Breakdown:
- Meh as in “mess”
- Saj as in “sage”
This phonetic understanding helps reinforce the correct spelling, message, as opposed to the incorrect spelling messege.
Bonus Tips for Remembering “Message”
Mnemonic Techniques
Remembering how to spell “message” doesn’t have to be difficult. Here’s a handy trick:
- Make Every Sentence Simple and Actually Get Everything right. (Message = Simple!) This fun and easy mnemonic helps cement the correct spelling in your memory, so you can always avoid the common mistake of typing “messege”.
Developing a Habit of Spelling Check
Make it a habit to check your spelling before sending a message, especially when you’re using words with similar phonetic sounds like “message” and “massage.” This small act of attention can make a significant difference in maintaining clarity and professionalism in your written communication.
How Digital Communication Has Shaped Our Spelling
In the age of instant messaging and social media, we often prioritize speed over accuracy, which leads to typing errors and spelling mistakes. The fast-paced nature of digital communication can sometimes cause us to overlook details like proper spelling.
However, it’s important to take a moment to proofread your messages, especially when they are intended for professional or formal contexts. Misspellings like messege not only make communication harder to understand but also diminish your professionalism.
Conclusion: Message or Messege – What You Need to Remember
In summary, the correct spelling is message – messege is a common but incorrect variant. Understanding the distinction between these terms will not only help you avoid misspellings but also improve your overall communication skills. Whether you’re sending a text message, writing an email message, or using a message app, ensure you get the spelling right to maintain professionalism, clarity, and credibility.
Takeaways:
- Always use message and avoid messege.
- Proofread your writing to eliminate typing errors.
- Use correct spelling for SEO, trust, and reputation management.
When writing in Message or Messege – Spelling Guide + Examples, it’s crucial to know the difference between terms like “message” and similar-sounding words like “massage.” Being aware of these spelling rules, especially Message or messege in English, will ensure you communicate effectively and maintain professionalism in your writing.
By mastering the correct message spelling, you’ll enhance both your written communication and your professional image in digital communication.
FAQs
Is it message or messege?
The correct spelling is “message.” “Messege” is a common misspelling and should be avoided in all writing.
What’s the difference in spelling between message and massage?
“Message” refers to a communication, while “massage” is a physical therapy treatment. The two have different meanings and spellings.
What do you mean by a message?
A message is a form of communication, often written or spoken, conveying information or thoughts from one person to another.
Is message grammatically correct?
Yes, “message” is grammatically correct when used to refer to a communication. It follows standard spelling and grammar rules.
This author is a passionate linguist and grammar enthusiast, dedicated to helping individuals master the art of language. With years of experience in teaching and editing, she brings clarity and precision to every sentence. Tina’s mission is to empower writers of all levels to express themselves with confidence and excellence.