Outer is the correct spelling & outter is a common typo. There is no doubt that the English language has many confusing words. It can be tough for new English speakers to master all the complicated spelling rules! For example, what’s the difference between outer & outter? Lucky for you, this article will answer that exact question. Read on to learn the correct spelling of outer and how to use it in your writing!
Always using the right words? Make sure:
Check Your TextWhich Spelling Is Correct: Outter vs Outer?
While “outter” may sound correct & is even used by many people, it is not a legitimate spelling.
- Outter: Incorrect spelling. Outter is not a proper word in the English language.
- Outer: Correct spelling. Most commonly used to describe something that is situated on the outside or farther from the center.
Takeaway: The correct spelling is “outer”.
How To Use Outer
The word “outer” can be used in various ways in writing. However, just like the words excellent or ecellant, it is easy to get the spelling wrong! Here are some of the most common use cases:
Describe the position or location of something in relation to its surroundings.
- For example, you might describe the outer layer of an onion or the outer edges of a city. Or you might be looking for the outer door in a hallway.
The word “outer” can also be used to describe the qualities or characteristics of something.
- For instance, you could describe a person’s outer appearance, such as their clothing, jewelry, or hairstyle.
Additionally, “outer” can be used to form comparisons between different things.
- For example, you might say that the outer planets in our solar system are much larger than the inner ones. Or the outer room is much larger than the inner room.
Overall, “outer” is a versatile word. It is very useful for new writers as word choice is one of the most basic writing conventions! It can be used to refer to the external world, make comparisons, or describe something relative to location. Depending on the context, you can use this word in a variety of different ways in your writing.
Sentence Examples
Here are a few sentences that demonstrate how to use the word “outer” in your writing.
- The outer layer of the Earth’s atmosphere is called the exosphere.
- I always wear my warmest jacket when I go out into the outer reaches of the city.
- The outer walls of the castle were fortified with thick stones and a moat.
- The outer petals of the rose were a delicate shade of pink, while the inner petals were a darker red.
- The outer shell of the turtle provides protection from predators and other dangers in its environment.
Popularity Analysis
Google’s ngram data shows us that “outer” is the more popular spelling. And that makes perfect sense considering “outer” is not a word!
However, just like we saw in our comparison of the words Ammount vs Amount, the popularity of vocabulary can change. In reality, there are several reasons why this happens.
- Language evolution: Languages change over time, and new words are added while some old ones fall out of use.
- Changing interests: As writers grow and develop, their interests and areas of expertise may shift.
- Intentional development: Some writers may actively work to improve their vocabulary.
- Audience and context: The vocabulary a writer uses may vary depending on the audience and context of their writing.
Synonyms for Outer
Many novice writers make the mistake of using the same word over and over again in their writing. This can distract a reader from the message of your writing. Here are some alternative words you can use instead of “outer”.
- External
- Outside
- Exterior
- Peripheral
- Superficial
Difference Between Inner & Outer
The words “inner” and “outer” are often used together to describe different aspects of something. While they are similar in meaning, there is a subtle difference between the two words.
“Inner” typically refers to the inside or interior part of something, while “outer” usually refers to the outside or exterior part of something.
For example:
- The inner workings of a clock are responsible for keeping time.
- The outer casing of a clock protects the inner mechanisms from damage.
- My inner thoughts are private and not meant for anyone else to hear.
- My outer appearance is often influenced by the clothes I wear and how I style my hair.
Frequently Asked Questions
The word outer means external or outside. For example, Saturn has an outer ring that surrounds the planet. Or, the outer layers of a star are extremely hot!
A common synonym for outer is external. For example, instead of saying outer wall, you might say external wall. As in, the contractor knocked down the external wall to remodel the house.
I pushed by drink to the outer edge of the table to make room for the dinner plates. You might also say that astronauts get paid to travel into outer space in rocket ships.
The phrase outer most means the outer limits of something.
The Bottom Line
By now you should know the difference between the words outer and outter. As we mentioned, outer is always the correct spelling! In fact, outter is not a proper word. Use this word to indicate that something is situated farther away. If you need help with other grammar rules like this, consider using our Grammar Lookup tool FREE of charge!