how is it spelled

USAGE SUMMARY

"how is it spelled" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is a common phrase used to ask for the correct spelling of a word or name. For example: - "Excuse me, can you tell me how your last name is spelled?" - "I'm not sure how to spell this word. Can you show me how it's spelled?" - "Could you write down the spelling of your email address for me, please?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Another question: how is it spelled?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

In a moment of apparent unease about the process, the magistrate asks the legal adviser: "When they get these letters with large sums of money, is it spelled out how they can appeal?" "I don't think so," the adviser says.

The Guardian

"If you hear 'dys' and the etymology is Greek, how is it usually spelled?" "D-y-s," said the 13 smart spellers.

The New York Times

It's how it is spelled in the language of the Basques, the determinedly independent people who are in Spain but not entirely of it.

The New Yorker

It proposes to "make rural farms into profitable business," though exactly how is not spelled out.

The New York Times

M-o-'-K-e-l-l-y is how it is spelled... no extra "e" please.

Huffington Post

"And I'd go, 'No, no, this is really how it's spelled.' " He is 53 and is married, with two children; he graduated from McGill University in Montreal, and received his medical training there as well.

The New York Times - Science

A mixed breed owned by Arizona resident Tabatha Bundesen, Grumpy Cat's real name is Tardar Sauce (yes, that's how it's spelled).

Los Angeles Times

What's interesting about this word is that people put a lot of emphasis on how it is spelled, how it sounds, and how it is said, so they can attribute different meanings to it.

Vice

I think there was something in front of it - Emma Esther - sounds wrong, Anne - or Anesta - yes, Anesta, not sure if that's how it was spelled, but I'll stick with it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

When Laura realized what he meant and corrects him, he retorts with "I know how it's spelled!" It is mentioned in another episode he describes another date with future girlfriend Maxine Cherie Johnsonn) where he says they saw "Malcolm 10" (him believing the X in 'Malcolm X was '10' in Roman numerals and not seeing Malcolms 1-9) and saying "It was either that or "Jif-kah".

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When asking for the spelling of a name, it's helpful to specify if you need the first name, last name, or both. For example, "How is your last name spelled?"

Common error

Avoid using the phrase when the context already implies you are asking for clarification on how to spell something; simply ask "How is that spelled?" or "Could you spell that?".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how is it spelled" functions as an interrogative phrase used to request the correct spelling of a word, name, or any other sequence of characters. Ludwig AI indicates its common usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Academia

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "how is it spelled" is a grammatically sound and frequently used interrogative expression for seeking the correct spelling of a word or name. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's common in written English. The phrase's function is straightforward: to obtain accurate spelling, primarily used in neutral contexts like News & Media. Alternatives include ""how do you spell it"" and "what is the spelling". A best practice is to specify the name part when inquiring about names and avoid stating it if obvious. Overall, "how is it spelled" is a clear and effective way to request spelling information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

How do you spell it?

Changes the sentence structure to a more direct question.

What's the correct spelling?

Emphasizes the need for the accurate spelling.

Can you give me the spelling?

A polite request for the spelling.

What's the proper spelling?

Similar to 'What's the correct spelling?' but uses 'proper'.

What is the spelling?

Rephrases the question using "spelling" as a noun.

Could you spell that out for me?

Asks for a more explicit and step-by-step spelling.

How's that written?

Focuses on the written form of the word or phrase.

How is that written down?

Highlights the act of writing something down.

What are the letters?

Breaks down the spelling into individual letters.

Can you write that down for me?

Requests someone to physically write down the spelling.

FAQs

How do you use "how is it spelled" in a sentence?

You can use "how is it spelled" when you need someone to clarify the spelling of a word or name. For example, "I'm not sure how to spell your last name. How is it spelled?"

What's the difference between "how is it spelled" and "how do you spell it"?

Both "how is it spelled" and ""how do you spell it"" are asking for the spelling of a word or name. They are interchangeable, but ""how do you spell it"" is slightly more direct.

What can I say instead of "how is it spelled"?

You can use alternatives like "what is the spelling?", "could you spell that out for me?", or "can you give me the spelling?" depending on the context.

Is "how is it spelled" grammatically correct?

Yes, "how is it spelled" is grammatically correct and commonly used in spoken and written English to ask for the spelling of a word or name.