Accomodate vs. Accommodate: Which Spelling is Correct?

If you are looking for the correct spelling, here it is: Accommodate is the only correct spelling in standard English.

The word requires two "c"s and two "m"s (A-C-C-O-M-M-O-D-A-T-E). Spelling it as "accomodate" with a single "m" is universally considered a grammatical error in professional, academic, and casual writing. If you struggle with this word, you are not alone—it is one of the most frequently misspelled words in the American English language.

Notice how the prefix "ac-" ends in "c" and the root "com-" begins with "c", creating the double "c". The root itself, "commodus", inherently contains the double "m".

To understand why the double letters exist, we have to look at Latin. The word comes from the Latin verb accommodare, which translates to "to make fit." It is built from two parts: the prefix ad- (meaning "to" or "toward") and the root commodus (meaning "convenient" or "fitting").

When the "ad-" prefix attaches to a root starting with "c", it assimilates and becomes "ac-", giving us the first double "c". The root word commodus already contained a double "m", which English preserved. Therefore, to accommodate the history of the word, you must accommodate two "c"s and two "m"s.

Noah Webster, the father of American English spelling, intentionally simplified many words (like dropping the "u" in "colour"), but he left "accommodate" alone because its Latin roots required the double consonants to retain their structural meaning.

• Accommodate a request
• Accommodate guests/visitors
• Accommodate needs
• Accommodate a schedule
• Accommodate changes
• Accommodate a disability

In daily conversation, "accommodate" is often used when making plans or rearranging physical space. For example, telling a friend, "I can accommodate your early arrival" means you will make sure your house is ready for them. It is a polite, slightly formal way to say "I will make room for this."

• I bought a larger dining table to accommodate our growing family.
• Can you accommodate a quick phone call this afternoon?
• We shifted the furniture to accommodate the new piano.
• I can't accommodate any more commitments in my schedule this week.
• My car can comfortably accommodate four adults and two children.

In academic writing, "accommodate" is frequently used to describe how systems, theories, or environments adjust to new variables. For instance, "The existing theoretical framework must be expanded to accommodate these new empirical findings." It shows a structural adjustment rather than a simple physical one.

• The legal framework must evolve to accommodate modern technology.
• The university built ramps to accommodate students in wheelchairs.
• The curriculum was modified to accommodate different skill levels.
• The economic model had to be adjusted to accommodate inflation.
• The theory fails to accommodate recent scientific discoveries.

In business emails, "accommodate" is a cornerstone of customer service language. Saying "We can accommodate your timeline" sounds much more professional and client-focused than "We can fit you in." It implies a deliberate, respectful adjustment of resources on behalf of the client or employee.

• We can accommodate your timeline if you approve the extra costs.
• The manager agreed to accommodate the employee's flexible schedule request.
• The conference room is too small to accommodate the entire department.
• The software update is built to accommodate future expansions.
• Human Resources will accommodate your request for medical leave.