Ever stared at the word “accommodation” and wondered if you’ve spelled it right? You’re not alone. Many people type “accomodation” and think it looks perfectly fine—until spellcheck kicks in. The confusion is understandable because English spelling rules are full of quirks. In this case, one extra letter makes all the difference between correct and incorrect. So, is it accommodation with double “m” and double “c”, or accomodation with just one “m”? Let’s clear the air.
The correct spelling is “accommodation.” This word, often used in contexts like hotel bookings, temporary lodging, or special arrangements, trips people up more often than you’d think. Whether you’re writing about travel, real estate, or disability accommodations, spelling it wrong can undermine your message and credibility.
Understanding the roots and structure of the word helps you remember it. It comes from the Latin accommodare, which means “to make fit.” It also helps to know that many official documents, job applications, and even school essays require correct spelling—especially for commonly used words like this. Stick around as we break down the right usage, examples, and tips to always get “accommodation” right!
Why Correct Spelling Matters
Spelling isn’t just about being nitpicky. It’s about clear communication, credibility, and respect for your audience. Using the correct spelling of words like “accommodation” ensures your message is:
- Easily understood
- Professionally presented
- Taken seriously
In fact, misspelled words can create confusion. Imagine sending an email to a client, offering “accomodation” for a business trip. The mistake might seem small, but it could hurt your professional image or raise questions about your attention to detail.
Understanding ‘Accommodation’ vs. ‘Accomodation’
Let’s clear this up right away:
- ✅ Accommodation — Correct spelling
- ❌ Accomodation — Incorrect spelling
“Accommodation” is the only correct spelling accepted in both American and British English. The misspelling “accomodation” is a common error caused by confusion over how many letters to use and where.
Even though both versions may appear online, only one is right. Spell checkers, dictionaries, and grammar guides all confirm that the correct form is with two c’s and two m’s: accommodation.
Etymology and Origins
To understand why “accommodation” is spelled the way it is, we need to go back in time.
The word comes from Latin—specifically the word accommodare, which means “to make fit” or “to adapt.” Here’s a breakdown:
- “ad” = to
- “com” = together
- “modare” = to make fit
This Latin root evolved over time as it moved through Old French and Middle English into the modern form we use today. The doubling of the letters “c” and “m” in the word helped to reflect pronunciation and root structure as the word evolved.
So, this isn’t random—it’s etymology with a purpose.
Why Double Letters?
This is the part that confuses most people: Why does “accommodation” need two c’s and two m’s?
Here’s the answer: Double letters help maintain pronunciation, word clarity, and syllable stress.
Let’s break it down:
- The first “c” is part of the Latin prefix “ad-” + “com-”
- The second “c” comes from “com-”
- The double “m” reinforces the structure and keeps the word root intact
Think of other words with double letters:
- Recommendation
- Communication
- Commission
They follow a similar pattern. These double consonants aren’t decorative—they serve a grammatical and historical purpose.
Spelling Trends Over Time
Misspelling “accommodation” is nothing new. In fact, historical records show that people have been making this same mistake for hundreds of years.
Even in early English texts, there were variations of the word that lacked one “c” or one “m.” But as the language became more standardized, the correct form—accommodation—became the only accepted spelling.
In recent decades, the digital age has made the problem worse. People write faster than ever, often without proofreading. Add autocorrect errors and mobile typos, and you get “accomodation” slipping into emails, social media posts, and even published articles.
Search engine data shows that “accomodation” is still searched thousands of times each month, proving just how widespread the confusion still is.
The Correct Spelling: ‘Accommodation’
There’s no debate about this. The correct and officially recognized spelling in all major English dictionaries is:
Accommodation
- Oxford English Dictionary ✅
- Cambridge Dictionary ✅
- Merriam-Webster Dictionary ✅
- Collins English Dictionary ✅
Whether you’re in the US, UK, Canada, or Australia, the correct spelling is the same. There’s no accepted regional difference.
Example in context:
“We booked our accommodation near the city center for the conference.”
Common Misspelling: ‘Accomodation’
Despite all the clarity, the misspelling “accomodation” still pops up everywhere. You might see it on:
- Travel websites
- Social media posts
- Business listings
- Event brochures
It’s easy to make this mistake if you’re writing quickly or relying too much on autocorrect. But once you’re aware of it, it becomes easier to fix.
Example of incorrect usage:
❌ “We provide luxury accomodation for all guests.”
Why This Misspelling Happens
Spelling “accommodation” wrong often comes down to these issues:
- Phonetics – People spell based on how they hear the word.
- Letter omission – It’s easy to forget a letter when typing quickly.
- Lack of proofreading – Many skip this important final step.
- No visual memory – Some people struggle to memorize how a word looks.
When you speak the word aloud, the double “c” and “m” are not always obvious, making the mistake easy to make but also easy to fix.
How to Recognize and Correct This Error
Here are some simple strategies to catch the mistake:
- Read your text out loud—this forces your brain to slow down.
- Use a spell checker—but don’t rely on it alone.
- Highlight common error words in your writing apps.
- Set up autocorrect to flag or replace “accomodation” with “accommodation.”
If you’re unsure, always double-check the word in a trusted dictionary.
Practical Tips to Remember the Correct Spelling
These little tricks can help the right spelling stick:
- Break it into parts: ac + com + mo + da + tion
- Count the letters: 2 C’s + 2 M’s
- Practice it in full sentences for muscle memory
The more you use the correct spelling in context, the less likely you are to forget it.
Mnemonics and Memory Aids
Here are some fun and easy ways to remember:
- “Accommodation has room for two C’s and two M’s.”
- “Two couples Checked-in at the Motel = CC + MM”
- “Always Carry Comfortable Mattresses On Dreamy Accommodation Nights” – each first letter helps spell out parts of the word.
Leveraging Tools and Technology
Modern writing tools can be lifesavers. Here are some you should use:
- Grammarly – highlights and corrects spelling issues in real time.
- Hemingway Editor – improves sentence clarity while checking spelling.
- Google Docs – built-in autocorrect and suggestions.
- Microsoft Word – strong spell check with customization.
Bonus tip: Add “accommodation” to your phone and computer’s custom dictionary to avoid red flags when writing.
Usage Examples and Variations
Correct Usage in Context
- “Our accommodation includes breakfast and Wi-Fi.”
- “He requested accommodation for his disability.”
- “All guests will receive complimentary accommodation.”
Incorrect Usage Examples
- ❌ “We need to find nearby accomodation.”
- ❌ “She manages corporate accomodation plans.”
Regional Spelling Preferences?
In some English words, regional spelling differs—like “color” (US) vs. “colour” (UK). But not here.
There is no regional difference for “accommodation.”
Both British and American English use “accommodation” as the correct spelling.
No matter where you’re from, “accomodation” is always incorrect.
Conclusion
When it comes to spelling, accuracy matters—especially for commonly used terms like “accommodation.” The correct form is “accommodation” with two C’s and two M’s. The version “accomodation” is a common error that often appears in informal writing but is never accepted in professional or academic settings. Whether you’re referring to hotel accommodation, student housing, or special needs arrangements, getting the spelling right shows attention to detail and improves your credibility. Remember: double the “C,” double the “M,” and you’re always correct.
FAQs
1. Which is correct: Accomodation or Accommodation?
Accommodation is the correct spelling. Accomodation is a frequent misspelling.
2. Why is “accommodation” spelled with two C’s and two M’s?
It comes from the Latin accommodare, where both C and M are doubled to reflect proper form.
3. Is “accomodation” ever correct in UK or US English?
No, it’s incorrect in both. Accommodation is the proper spelling worldwide.
4. What does “accommodation” mean in travel?
It refers to a place to stay, such as a hotel, resort, or guesthouse.
5. What are some synonyms for accommodation?
Lodging, housing, quarters, shelter, and stay are common synonyms.
Lily Grace 
Ruby Skye