When it comes to the spelling of the appliance that keeps our food cold, there seems to be some confusion. Is it spelled “refrigerator” or “refridgerator”? Let’s settle this once and for all.
The proper word is “refrigerator.” However, it’s not uncommon to see “refridgerator” used as well. “Refrigerator” is defined as a household appliance used for storing food at a low temperature. “Refridgerator” is a misspelling of the word.
In this article, we’ll explore the differences between the two spellings and why it’s important to use the correct one.
Define Refridgerator
A refridgerator is a misspelling of the word refrigerator. It is a household appliance that is used to store food and drinks at a low temperature to prevent spoilage. The refrigerator works by removing heat from the interior of the unit and releasing it to the exterior environment. This process is achieved through the use of refrigerants, compressors, and condensers. The refrigerator has become a staple in modern households and is used to preserve a wide variety of perishable items including fruits, vegetables, dairy products, meats, and beverages.
Define Refrigerator
A refrigerator is a household appliance that is used to store food and drinks at a low temperature to prevent spoilage. The refrigerator works by removing heat from the interior of the unit and releasing it to the exterior environment. This process is achieved through the use of refrigerants, compressors, and condensers. The refrigerator has become a staple in modern households and is used to preserve a wide variety of perishable items including fruits, vegetables, dairy products, meats, and beverages.
The term refrigerator is the correct spelling of the word and is widely used in the English language. The word refrigerator comes from the Latin word “refrigerare,” which means “to make cool.” The first commercially successful refrigerator was invented in 1913 by Fred W. Wolf Jr., and it revolutionized the food preservation industry.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
It’s common to see the words “refrigerator” and “refridgerator” used interchangeably, but they are not the same. In this section, we’ll discuss how to properly use each word in a sentence.
How To Use “Refridgerator” In A Sentence
The word “refridgerator” is a misspelling of “refrigerator” and is not considered a standard spelling. However, it’s worth noting that some people still use this spelling, so it’s important to understand how to use it in a sentence if you come across it.
Here are some examples of how to use “refridgerator” in a sentence:
- I need to buy a new refridgerator for my kitchen.
- The repairman came to fix the refridgerator, but it was beyond repair.
- My mom always keeps a bowl of fruit in the refridgerator.
While “refridgerator” is not the correct spelling, it’s still important to understand how to use it in a sentence if you encounter it.
How To Use “Refrigerator” In A Sentence
The word “refrigerator” is the correct spelling and is the standard term used to refer to the appliance that keeps food and drinks cold.
Here are some examples of how to use “refrigerator” in a sentence:
- I need to buy a new refrigerator for my kitchen.
- The repairman came to fix the refrigerator, but it was beyond repair.
- My mom always keeps a bowl of fruit in the refrigerator.
As you can see, “refrigerator” is the correct spelling and is the term you should use when referring to the appliance that keeps food and drinks cold.
More Examples Of Refridgerator & Refrigerator Used In Sentences
In order to further understand the difference between “refridgerator” and “refrigerator,” it is important to examine how these words are used in everyday sentences. Here are some examples:
Examples Of Using Refridgerator In A Sentence
- I need to buy a new refridgerator for my kitchen.
- My refridgerator is making a strange noise.
- Can you please put the milk back in the refridgerator?
- She left the cheese out of the refridgerator for too long.
- The refridgerator door was left open overnight.
- He cleaned out the refridgerator and threw away all the expired food.
- The refridgerator is too small to fit all of our groceries.
- She put the leftovers in the refridgerator for tomorrow’s lunch.
- The refridgerator was delivered and installed this morning.
- He opened the refridgerator and grabbed a soda.
Examples Of Using Refrigerator In A Sentence
- I need to buy a new refrigerator for my kitchen.
- My refrigerator is making a strange noise.
- Can you please put the milk back in the refrigerator?
- She left the cheese out of the refrigerator for too long.
- The refrigerator door was left open overnight.
- He cleaned out the refrigerator and threw away all the expired food.
- The refrigerator is too small to fit all of our groceries.
- She put the leftovers in the refrigerator for tomorrow’s lunch.
- The refrigerator was delivered and installed this morning.
- He opened the refrigerator and grabbed a soda.
As you can see, the usage of “refridgerator” and “refrigerator” in sentences is interchangeable. However, it is important to note that “refrigerator” is the correct spelling of the word.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to refrigeration appliances, people often use the terms “refrigerator” and “refridgerator” interchangeably. However, these terms are not interchangeable and using them incorrectly can lead to confusion. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Using “Refridgerator” Instead Of “Refrigerator”
One of the most common mistakes people make is using “refridgerator” instead of “refrigerator.” While the two words may sound similar, “refridgerator” is not a correct spelling of the word. The correct spelling is “refrigerator,” with two “r’s” and one “g.” Using the incorrect spelling can make your writing look unprofessional and may cause confusion for your readers.
Using “Refrigerator” To Refer To Other Cooling Devices
Another mistake people make is using “refrigerator” to refer to other cooling devices, such as a freezer or a wine cooler. While these devices may be similar to a refrigerator, they are not the same thing. A freezer, for example, is a separate appliance that is designed to freeze food, while a wine cooler is designed to keep wine at a specific temperature. Using “refrigerator” to refer to these devices can cause confusion and may lead to misunderstandings.
Not Capitalizing “Refrigerator” Correctly
One common mistake people make is not capitalizing “refrigerator” correctly. “Refrigerator” is a proper noun and should be capitalized at the beginning of a sentence and in titles. However, it should not be capitalized when used in a sentence as a common noun. For example, “I need to buy a new refrigerator” is correct, but “I need to buy a new Refrigerator” is not.
Tips For Avoiding These Mistakes
To avoid making these mistakes in the future, it’s important to pay attention to the spelling and capitalization of the word “refrigerator.” If you’re not sure how to spell the word, look it up in a dictionary or use spellcheck. If you’re unsure whether to capitalize the word, consult a style guide or ask a professional writer for advice.
Additionally, if you’re referring to a specific type of cooling device, make sure to use the correct name for that device. For example, if you’re referring to a freezer, use the word “freezer” instead of “refrigerator.”
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your writing is professional and clear, and that your readers understand exactly what you’re talking about.
Context Matters
When it comes to the spelling of the word that denotes the household appliance used for storing food and drinks at low temperatures, there seems to be a never-ending debate between whether it should be spelled as “refrigerator” or “refridgerator.” However, the choice between these two spellings can depend on the context in which they are used.
Examples Of Different Contexts
- Geographical Context: In the United States, the spelling “refrigerator” is more commonly used, while in the United Kingdom and some other English-speaking countries, “refridgerator” is the preferred spelling.
- Technical Context: In the technical or scientific context, “refrigerator” is the standard spelling used to refer to the cooling device, while “refridgerator” is not recognized as a valid spelling.
- Brand Context: Some brands use the spelling “refridgerator” as a way to distinguish themselves from their competitors who use the more common spelling “refrigerator.”
- Informal Context: In informal contexts such as social media or texting, people may use either spelling interchangeably without much thought or consideration.
Therefore, the choice between “refrigerator” and “refridgerator” is not always straightforward and can depend on various factors such as the context, location, and personal preference. It is important to note that both spellings refer to the same appliance and should be understood regardless of the spelling used.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using “refrigerator” and “refrigerator” are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions where the usage may not follow the norm. Below are some examples:
1. Regional Differences
One exception to the rules is regional differences in language usage. For instance, in British English, “refrigerator” is less commonly used, and “fridge” is the more popular term. Similarly, in Australian English, “fridge” is the more commonly used term. Therefore, it is important to consider the context and audience when deciding which term to use.
2. Brand Names
Another exception is the use of brand names. Some refrigeration companies use the term “refridgerator” in their brand names, such as “Sub-Zero Refridgerators” and “Electrolux Refridgerators”. In such cases, it may be appropriate to use “refridgerator” when referring to these specific brands.
3. Historical Usage
Historically, “refridgerator” was a more common spelling in the early 20th century. Therefore, when referring to old documents or literature, it may be more appropriate to use “refridgerator” to maintain accuracy and authenticity.
4. Informal Language
Finally, in informal contexts such as social media or texting, it is common to see the abbreviated form “fridge” used instead of “refrigerator” or “refridgerator”. While this may not be appropriate in formal writing, it is a widely accepted usage in casual communication.
Practice Exercises
Now that we have discussed the differences between “refridgerator” and “refrigerator,” it’s time to put your knowledge into practice. Here are some exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these two words:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
Choose the correct spelling of “refrigerator” or “refridgerator” to fill in the blank in the following sentences:
- My ________ is making a strange noise.
- I need to buy a new ________.
- Can you please put the milk back in the ________?
- The ________ is running low on ice.
- I left my keys in the ________.
Answer Key:
- refrigerator
- refrigerator
- refrigerator
- refrigerator
- refrigerator
Exercise 2: Sentence Completion
Complete the following sentences with either “refrigerator” or “refridgerator” to make them grammatically correct:
- Can you please put the milk back in the ________?
- My ________ is making a strange noise.
- I need to buy a new ________.
- The ________ is running low on ice.
- I left my keys in the ________.
Answer Key:
- refrigerator
- refrigerator
- refrigerator
- refrigerator
- refrigerator
By completing these exercises, you should have a better understanding of when to use “refrigerator” versus “refridgerator.” Remember, “refrigerator” is the correct spelling, so try to use it as much as possible to avoid confusion.
Conclusion
After exploring the differences between “refridgerator” and “refrigerator,” it is clear that the latter is the correct spelling. The misspelling of “refridgerator” is a common mistake, but it is important to use the correct spelling in written communication to maintain professionalism and credibility.
One key takeaway from this article is the importance of paying attention to spelling and grammar in written communication. Simple mistakes like misspelling words can have a negative impact on how others perceive your writing and your overall competence.
Another takeaway is the value of continuing to learn about grammar and language use. The English language is constantly evolving and there is always more to learn. By staying informed and educated, you can improve your writing skills and communicate more effectively.
Overall, it is important to remember that attention to detail and a willingness to learn are key factors in becoming a skilled writer. By using the correct spelling and grammar, and continuing to improve your language skills, you can enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.