I know this confusion well. While writing a cheque, filling forms, or typing a document, you might stop and ask yourself, “Should I write forty or fourty?”
I have been there too, and it can be frustrating when a simple number spelling causes uncertainty.
People search forty or fourty because both versions appear online, but only one is correct.
Whether it’s writing 40 in words, spelling ages, or teaching students, this guide will solve your problem. I promise to explain the correct spelling, show examples in sentences, and clarify common mistakes.
By the end, you’ll know how to confidently write numbers in words without guessing.
Quick Answer
Forty is the correct spelling.
Fourty is always incorrect in modern English.
Examples
- I am forty years old.
- She wrote forty dollars on the cheque.
✅ Quick memory tip: Forty has no “u.”
The Origin of Forty and Fourty
The word forty comes from Old English feowertig, meaning four tens.
The incorrect spelling fourty likely comes from confusion with the word four.
Over time, English spelling standardized forty as the correct form.
British vs American Usage
Unlike some spelling differences, forty is correct in both British and American English.
Consistency matters in formal writing, checks, and education.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Forty | Fourty |
|---|---|---|
| Correctness | ✅ Correct | ❌ Incorrect |
| Usage | Numbers, text, cheques | Avoided |
| Origin | Old English feowertig | Misspelling of forty |
Which One Should You Use?
- Students: Always use forty.
- Professionals: Writing cheques, legal forms, or financial documents? Stick to forty.
- Global writers: Use forty in all English varieties.
Consistency is more important than style in this case.
Common Mistakes With Forty or Fourty
❌ Writing fourty instead of forty
❌ Using fourty in cheques, exams, or official documents
❌ Relying on spell-check alone
✔ Rule of thumb: Forty = correct, no “u.”
Forty or Fourty in Everyday Writing
Cheques / Forms
- Write forty dollars or forty rupees.
- Incorrect: fourty dollars
Text / Social Media
- I’m turning forty next week.
- Incorrect: I’m turning fourty next week.
Academic / Professional Writing
- The participant count reached forty.
- Do not use fourty in exams or reports.
Forty or Fourty – Google Trends & Usage Data
Search trends show:
- People search forty or fourty mostly during exams, cheque writing, and teaching contexts.
- Fourty is commonly seen online but is always incorrect.
- Forty dominates in dictionaries, style guides, and educational material.
Forty or Fourty in Real-Life Usage
Forty or Fourty in Cheque
✔ Correct: write forty dollars, pounds, or rupees.
❌ Incorrect: fourty.
Forty or Fourty Pakistan
In Pakistan, people often search forty or fourty when writing amounts in words on cheques or forms. Always use forty.
40 in Words
- 40 = forty
- 45 = forty-five
- 41 = forty-one
Fourty Five or Forty-Five
✔ Correct: forty-five
❌ Incorrect: fourty-five
Forty or Fourty in English / UK
- Forty is correct in both UK and US English.
- Fourty is never accepted.
Forty One or Fourty One
✔ Correct: forty-one
❌ Incorrect: fourty one
Fourty Meaning
Fourty is a misspelling. There is no separate meaning. Always use forty.
FAQs
1. Is forty or fourty correct?
Forty is correct. Fourty is a common misspelling.
2. How do you write 40 in words?
40 = forty, 41 = forty-one, 45 = forty-five.
3. Can I use fourty in a cheque?
No, always write forty.
4. Is forty spelled the same in UK and US?
Yes, it is correct in both varieties of English.
5. Why do people write fourty?
They confuse it with the word four, but standard spelling dropped the “u.”
6. Are there any numbers like fourty that are spelled differently?
No, forty is unique; others like fourteen, forty-five follow regular rules.
7. Any memory trick for forty?
Remember: forty has no “u.”
Conclusion
The correct spelling is forty. Fourty is always wrong in modern English. Whether you are writing cheques, recording ages, or documenting counts in words, consistency matters. Always double-check numbers written in words to avoid mistakes.
For compound numbers like forty-one or forty-five, remember to use hyphens. Writing numbers accurately in words is essential in exams, forms, and official documents.
Students and professionals alike benefit from following this simple rule. It ensures clarity and prevents confusion for anyone reading your text.
Using forty correctly builds confidence in writing. Even in casual messages or social media, spelling numbers properly reflects attention to detail.
By sticking to this rule, you eliminate hesitation and avoid common errors. With a little practice, writing numbers in words becomes fast and error-free.
George Orwell offers thoughtful reflections and spiritual insights at PrayersPure.com, guiding readers toward faith, clarity, and meaningful prayer.
