Many English learners and writers often feel unsure about the correct spelling of thankful or thankfull.
Both forms frequently appear in social media posts, emails, and even formal writing, but only one is grammatically correct.
Using the wrong spelling can make your writing look careless or unprofessional and may distract readers from your message.
This confusion happens because English contains many words ending in -ful, and people often assume the suffix follows the same spelling as the word full.
People search for thankful or thankfull because they want to express gratitude accurately and confidently. Whether writing professional emails, academic essays, captions, or everyday messages, correct spelling matters.
Understanding the difference improves grammar, tone, and clarity. This article explains the correct usage, spelling rules, origin, British and American conventions, common mistakes, and practical examples.
By the end, you will clearly understand why thankful is correct and how to use it naturally in modern English.
Thankful or Thankfull – Quick Answer
The correct spelling is thankful.
- Thankful → correct adjective used to express gratitude
- Thankfull → incorrect, a common misspelling
Examples
- I am very thankful for your help.
- She felt thankful for the kind gesture.
- ❌ Incorrect: I am very thankfull for your support.
Tip: Always remember only one l at the end.
The Origin of Thankful or Thankfull
The word thankful comes from Old English þancful, which means full of thanks or gratitude.
- Thankful: correct, historically and grammatically consistent
- Thankfull: does not exist in dictionaries and is a modern misspelling
The -ful suffix in English means full of or characterized by. Adding an extra l is unnecessary and incorrect because the root word thank already ends in a consonant.
British English vs American English Spelling
There is no difference between British and American English spelling for thankful. Both regions use the single l spelling.
Key Points
- British English → thankful
- American English → thankful
- The misspelling thankfull is not accepted in any standard dictionary.
Comparison Table
| Word | British English | American English | Notes |
| thankful | thankful | thankful | Correct spelling for both variants of English |
| thankfull | ❌ incorrect | ❌ incorrect | Common misspelling; avoid |
Which Spelling Should You Use?
The choice is simple: always use thankful.
Use thankful if:
- You want to express gratitude
- Writing emails, social media posts, captions, essays, or letters
- Communicating professionally or personally
Examples:
- I am thankful for your guidance.
- We are thankful to everyone who participated.
Avoid thankfull
It is always considered incorrect in formal and informal contexts.
Common Mistakes with Thankful or Thankfull
Using thankfull
- I am very thankfull for your support.
✔ I am very thankful for your support.
Overcomplicating with multiple l’s
- Thankfullness is also incorrect; correct form: thankfulness
Mispronunciation
- Some may pronounce the double l, but only thankful is correct both in spelling and pronunciation
Confusing with other -ful words
- Words like grateful, careful, hopeful follow the same single l rule. Thankful should also follow this rule.
Thankful or Thankfull in Everyday Examples
Emails
- I am thankful for your prompt response.
- We are thankful for the opportunity to collaborate.
News Writing
- The community is thankful for the volunteers who helped rebuild homes.
Social Media
- Feeling thankful today for my amazing friends!
- Thankful for small joys in life.
Formal Writing
- The company is thankful to its employees for their dedication.
- She expressed her thankful appreciation in the letter.
Thankful – Google Trends & Usage Data
Search trends indicate that thankful is commonly searched by:
- ESL learners
- Students writing essays
- Social media users
- Professionals writing emails
Usage Patterns
- Thankful → gratitude in personal and professional communication
- Thankfull → minor searches, mostly people looking to confirm correct spelling
By Country
- USA, UK, Canada, Australia → high volume of correct usage searches
- Global → learners often search to avoid common misspelling
Thankful vs Thankfull Comparison Table
| Word | Correct? | Usage Type | Example |
| thankful | ✅ yes | Expressing gratitude | I am thankful for your help. |
| thankfull | ❌ no | Incorrect | I am thankfull for your support. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is thankfull correct?
No. The correct spelling is thankful with a single l.
2. Can I use thankfull in informal texts?
No. Even informal writing should use thankful.
3. Is there a difference in British vs American English?
No. Both use thankful.
4. How do I use thankful in a sentence?
I am thankful for your guidance and support.
5. What about the noun form?
- Correct: thankfulness
- Incorrect: thankfullness
6. Can thankful be used in professional writing?
Yes. It is widely accepted in emails, letters, and reports.
7. Easy way to remember?
One l = correct. Double l = wrong.
Conclusion
The difference between thankful or thankfull is simple: thankful is correct, and thankfull is a common misspelling.
Always use the single l form in essays, emails, social media, and professional writing.
The word comes from Old English þancful meaning full of thanks, and its spelling follows standard English rules for -ful adjectives.
By remembering that thankful is always the correct choice, you ensure your writing looks polished, professional, and grammatically accurate.
Avoid the extra l and use the word confidently in personal, social, and formal communication.
Practicing examples and being aware of common mistakes will help you use thankful correctly every time.
Read More:
Awoken vs Awakened – Master the Difference in English 2026
I’m Daniel Whitmore, a content writer who focuses on English grammar, spelling mistakes, and word usage. I write clear, simple, and helpful articles to make English easier for students, writers, and everyday readers.
