Is it 'dual' or 'duel'?

Do you know your 'duel' from your 'dual'? 🤺

'Dual' with an 'a' means:

'Having two parts or combining two things'

For example: 'This room serves a dual purpose - it's both a study and a guest room.' 🛋

'Duel' with an 'e' means:

'A conflict between two entities' (but it doesn't necessarily need violence, like a 'duel of wits'). Most people associate it with 'a contest with deadly weapons arranged between two people in order to settle a point of honour.'

For example: 'I challenge you to a duel.' 🤺

Fun fact: 'Duel' can only be used when referring to two parties. More than two, and it's not a duel.

So... slightly different meanings between the two spellings.

An easy way to remember which one you want is:

Du(e)lling with your (e)nemy 🤺

Which words do you struggle to spell?

~ Natasha
(Your favourite creative copywriter & proofreader) ✨