English spelling often confuses even the best of us. One of the most common mistakes people make is mixing up “truly” and “truely.” At first glance, both look like they could be correct. After all, if words like blue become bluely when adding -ly, wouldn’t true become truely? That reasoning seems logical, but it leads many writers astray.
The truth is simple: “truly” is correct, while “truely” is not. Yet the story doesn’t stop there. Understanding why this happens takes us deeper into the rules of English spelling, the history of the language, and the way words evolve over time.
You may have seen “truely” in old texts, typed it yourself by accident, or even spotted it online. And while most grammar tools instantly flag it as wrong, not everyone knows why. This article clears up the confusion once and for all.
Here, you’ll learn the meaning of “truly,” the reasons behind dropping the e, examples in real sentences, and memory tricks to help you never mix it up again. You’ll also explore its history, see it in popular phrases, and even test yourself with a quick grammar quiz.
By the end, you’ll truly understand why “truely” doesn’t belong in modern English. And you’ll be able to write with more confidence, whether you’re crafting an email, a social media post, or a professional document.
Truly vs Truely at a Glance
Before diving into the details, let’s start with a quick comparison.
| Word | Correct? | Usage in English | Example Sentence |
| Truly | Yes | Correct spelling, standard English | She truly believes in honesty. |
| Truely | ❌ No | Common misspelling, non-standard | — |
Featured answer:
👉 “Truly” is the correct spelling. “Truely” is always considered a misspelling in modern English.
What Does “Truly” Mean?
The word “truly” is an adverb. It comes from the adjective “true” and usually expresses sincerity, accuracy, or authenticity.
Dictionary Definition
According to Merriam-Webster, truly means:
- In accordance with fact or reality.
- In a truthful or genuine manner.
- Sincerely or faithfully.
Usage in Sentences
- She truly understands the meaning of kindness.
- That story is truly fascinating.
- I truly appreciate your help.
Role in Grammar
“Truly” often modifies:
- Verbs: She truly loves him.
- Adjectives: That’s a truly amazing achievement.
- Other adverbs: He speaks truly confidently.
It appears in formal writing, casual conversation, and idiomatic expressions.
Is “Truely” a Word?
The short answer: No, “truely” is not a correct English word.
Why the Mistake Happens
- Many learners assume that you can simply add -ly to true → truely.
- This mistake is reinforced by the natural look of the word.
Historical Note
Interestingly, “truely” did appear in older English texts centuries ago. For example, in some 16th and 17th-century writings, you may find “truely” used as the adverbial form. However, language evolved, and “truly” became the accepted standard spelling.
Today, every major English dictionary labels “truely” as archaic or incorrect.
Why “Truly” Drops the ‘E’
One of the main confusions comes from the dropped “e.” So why does true → truly instead of truely?
The Rule of Adverbs Ending in -ly
When forming adverbs from adjectives ending in e, English often drops the e before adding -ly.
Examples:
- true → truly
- due → duly
- whole → wholly
But not always
- nice → nicely
- polite → politely
The rule depends on pronunciation, clarity, and historical usage. In the case of “truly,” the “e” is dropped for smoother spelling and pronunciation.
Examples in Sentences
To see the difference in action, compare these:
- Correct: She is truly grateful for your support.
- ❌ Incorrect: She is truely grateful for your support.
- Correct: That’s a truly remarkable painting.
- ❌ Incorrect: That’s a truely remarkable painting.
- Correct: He truly values honesty above all.
- ❌ Incorrect: He truely values honesty above all.
Notice how “truely” looks awkward and will always be marked as wrong by grammar tools.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Many writers, especially learners, type “truely” without realizing it. Here’s how to avoid it.
Typing and Autocorrect Issues
- Phones and browsers usually autocorrect truely to truly.
- If autocorrect doesn’t, use a grammar tool like Grammarly.
Memory Tip
Think: “Truly is true without an e.”
This rhyme makes it easier to remember.
Other Tricks
- Imagine the phrase: “You truly drop the e.”
- Use flashcards when learning tricky adverbs.
Truly in Popular Expressions and Quotes
“Truly” is more than just an adverb. It often appears in set expressions and famous quotes.
Common Expressions
- Yours truly – a polite way to close letters.
- Truly amazing – to express awe or admiration.
- I truly believe – to show sincerity.
Famous Quotes
- “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” – often paraphrased with ‘truly’ in reflections on Gandhi.
- “Love is truly the strongest force in the universe.”
These expressions highlight the sincerity and depth the word conveys.
Quick Grammar Quiz
Test yourself to see if you can spot the correct form.
Choose the correct word:
- She is ___ talented at painting.
- a) truly
- b) truely
- I ___ admire your dedication.
- a) truely
- b) truly
- This book is ___ inspiring.
- a) truely
- b) truly
Answers:
- truly
- truly
- truly
Summary Table: Truly vs Truely
Here’s a handy table to keep things clear.
| Word | Correct? | Explanation | Example Sentence |
| Truly | Yes | Correct spelling, standard English | She truly cares about her work. |
| Truely | ❌ No | Incorrect spelling, non-standard use | — |
Conclusion
English spelling rules sometimes seem inconsistent, but they usually follow a logic once you dig deeper. The case of “tuly vs truely” is one of those classic examples.
- Truly is correct.
- Truely is not accepted in modern English.
- The confusion comes from adding -ly to true, but spelling rules drop the final “e.”
- You’ll find “truly” in countless expressions, from everyday conversations to famous quotes.
FAQs About Truly vs Truely
Is it spelled truly or truely?
It’s spelled truly. The form “truely” is always incorrect in modern English.
Why is it truly and not truely?
Because in English, when forming some adverbs ending in -ly, the final “e” of the adjective is dropped. That’s why true → truly.
Is truely ever correct?
No, not in modern usage. “Truely” appeared in older English texts centuries ago, but it’s now considered obsolete and incorrect.
What does truly mean?
“Truly” means genuinely, sincerely, or accurately. For example: She truly cares about her friends.
Can I use truely in informal writing?
No. Even in casual contexts, “truely” looks like a spelling mistake. Always use “truly.”
Lily Grace 
Ruby Skye