Spelling mistakes are common in the English language, especially when words sound identical but are spelled differently. One such confusion is between “Excell” and “Excel”. This article explores the proper usage, meanings, and origins of both forms. We’ll also delve into how the term evolved and how to avoid common spelling mistakes.
Whether you’re writing a formal document or working with the famous spreadsheet program, knowing the difference between “excell” and “excel” is essential.
What Do “Excell” and “Excel” Mean?
The confusion between “excell” and “excel” often arises because of the way the verb changes forms in different tenses (such as “excelled” and “excelling”). Let’s explore the meanings of these two variations.
Excell
“Excell” is not an actual word in the English language. It’s a common misspelling of “excel,” but it doesn’t hold any meaning. Many people mistakenly add the second ‘L’ because of the way the verb “excel” changes when conjugated into the past tense (excelled) or present participle (excelling).
“Excell” with a double ‘L’ is a common misspelling of the verb “excel.” This incorrect form likely comes from people overcompensating due to the way we conjugate the verb. While “excelled” and “excelling” both use double ‘L’s, “excell” itself is not an accepted spelling in English.
Quick Fact: No dictionary or reputable source recognizes “excell” as a proper word.
Excel
“Excel”, on the other hand, is a valid word and has two key meanings. First, as a verb, it means to surpass, outdo, or be superior in performance. Second, “Excel” refers to Microsoft’s famous spreadsheet software, which has become a major tool in the world of data analysis.
A verb meaning to surpass others, to outdo or be particularly proficient at something.
A proper noun referring to Microsoft Excel, the spreadsheet program used by millions worldwide for data organization and analysis.
Excel vs. Excell
The confusion often arises because “excel” transforms to “excelled” in the past tense and “excelling” in the present participle. However, the base form remains “excel”, with just one ‘L’.
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Here’s a quick table for clarification:
| Correct Form | Incorrect Form |
|---|---|
| Excel | Excell |
| Excelled | Exceled |
| Excelling | Excelling |
Origin and Etymology of the Word “Excel”
The word “excel” comes from the Latin excellere, meaning “to rise up” or “surpass.” It was introduced into the English language in the late 14th century and has maintained its meaning of outdoing or exceeding expectations. The root words are ex- (meaning out or beyond) and cellere (meaning to rise).
Knowing the origins of a word helps deepen our understanding, allowing us to see why certain spellings or forms make sense.
What’s the Difference between “Excell” and “Excel”?
To be clear, “excell” does not exist as an English word. Anytime you see this, it’s a mistake. “Excel” is the correct form, both as a verb and a proper noun. Microsoft’s Excel program often contributes to the confusion, with many assuming the spelling with two ‘L’s must be correct when referring to performance.
Key Differences:
| Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Excel | To surpass or be superior | “She excels at math.” |
| Excell | Not a valid word | Incorrect: “He likes to excell.” |
| Excel | Software by Microsoft | “I’m proficient in Excel.” |
Common Mistakes: Why People Use “Excell”
The most common reason people spell “excel” as “excell” is due to overcompensation. When verbs like “excel” are conjugated into past tense (excelled) or present participle (excelling), they gain an extra ‘L’. This leads to the mistaken belief that the base form also requires two ‘L’s, which isn’t the case.
| Correct Form | Incorrect Form | Usage Example |
|---|---|---|
| Excel | Excell | She wants to excel in her job. |
| Excelled | Exceled | He excelled at the competition. |
| Excelling | Excellling | The team is excelling in customer service. |
Tenses of the Verb “Excel”
When using the verb “excel”, it’s important to understand how it changes depending on the tense:
| Tense | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Present | Excel | “I excel in English writing.” |
| Past | Excelled | “He excelled in his role as manager.” |
| Present Participle | Excelling | “She is excelling in her studies.” |
Why Does “Excelled” and “Excelling” Add an Extra ‘L’?
When we add -ed or -ing to verbs like excel, an additional ‘L’ is added due to a grammatical rule known as consonant doubling. This happens when a verb ends with a single vowel followed by a consonant. The consonant is doubled before adding the suffix.
This rule is consistent for other verbs like “compel” (compelled, compelling) and “rebel” (rebelled, rebelling).
Practical Examples in Context
Incorrect Usage of “Excell” (with double ‘L’)
- Incorrect: “She always tries to excell in her job.”
- Correct: “She always tries to excel in her job.”
Correct Usage of “Excel” (with one ‘L’)
- “He excels in public speaking.”
- “She is excelling at solving complex problems.”
Excel vs. Accel
Now, you might also be wondering about “excel” vs. “accel.” These words are often confused due to their similar pronunciation, but they have different meanings:
- Excel: To surpass or be exceptionally good at something.
- Accel: A short form of the word “accelerate,” meaning to increase speed.
| Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Excel | To be superior or very good at something | “I excel in marketing.” |
| Accel | To speed up or increase velocity | “He hit the gas to accel on the highway.” |
Synonyms for Excel
As a Verb
When using “excel” as a verb, here are some alternatives you might consider:
- Surpass
- Outperform
- Outdo
- Exceed
- Eclipse
- Outstrip
Synonyms for Microsoft Excel
When referring to the software program, these synonyms could be used in a technical context:
- Spreadsheet software
- Data analysis tool
- Workbook
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Why “Excell” is Not an Acceptable Word
The use of “excell” with two ‘L’s is a common mistake due to its similar appearance to the correct form, “excelled” and “excelling”. However, it is incorrect as a base verb form. The correct usage follows the standard spelling rules of English.
Conclusion: Excel is the Only Correct Spelling
To sum it up:
- “Excell” is a common misspelling of “Excel.”
- “Excel” is the correct spelling whether used as a verb or to refer to Microsoft Excel.
- By understanding the origins and the rules of grammar, it becomes easier to avoid such spelling mistakes.
In conclusion, “excel” is the correct spelling and should be used in all contexts—whether referring to the verb or the software. Meanwhile, “excell” is a common mistake that you should avoid. By understanding the grammatical rules, the difference between excel and accel, and using practical examples, you’ll be able to ace any writing situation.
As always, excel in your writing, and remember that mastering these small details makes a big difference!
John David is an experienced blogger at Grammar Blend, passionate about language and communication. With a keen eye for grammar and clarity, he shares practical tips and tools to help readers improve their writing skills. His insightful articles make grammar accessible and engaging for learners of all levels.
