Deciding between transferred or transfered for the correct spelling can be puzzling for you because they sound the same when spoken.
The correct spelling is “transferred,” the correct way to spell this word is with two ‘r’s
It’s the past tense of ‘transfer,’ meaning to shift something from one location to another.
The version with a single ‘r’, ‘transfered’, is not recognized in the English language
Transferred or Transfered: Which is Correct?
“Transferred” is the correct spelling of the past tense of the verb ‘transfer’.
When you want to make a verb past tense in English, you usually add “-ed” at the end. If the word’s last syllable is emphasized and ends with a consonant that has just one vowel before it, you need to double that last consonant.
Since ‘transfer’ fits this rule, it becomes “transferred” when it is in the past tense.
- Correct: transferred
- Incorrect: transfered
Grammar and Usage of ‘Transferred’
You would use “transferred” when you’re talking about something or someone being moved from one place to another in the past.
While terms like “past participle” might seem complicated, they’re actually pretty simple. In basic terms, it’s just how a verb is used with “have” to talk about something that happened in the past. Here are examples that will help you get it right:
- She transferred the money yesterday.
- My family transferred to a new city last year.
Why ‘Transferred’ is the Right Spelling
In English grammar, when you conjugate a verb into the past tense or past participle, some verbs require the final consonant to be doubled before adding “-ed.” Transfer is one of these verbs.
Since it ends in a consonant preceded by a single vowel, and the stress is on the last syllable. Just listen to how you emphasize the -fer when you say it:
- The base verb ‘transfer’ ends with the consonant ‘r’
- The vowel before the last consonant ‘r’ is ‘e’.
- The second syllable, -fer is stressed.
- So you double the final consonant and add the”-ed” ending.
That’s why “transferred” is the correct spelling.
- Transfer + red (Incorrect)
- Transfer + r + ed (Correct)
Examples of Sentences Using the Word “transferred“
“He transferred the call to the correct department without fail.“
“The funds were successfully transferred to her savings account.“
“I have transferred the data from my old computer to the new one.“
“The title of the property was transferred to his son’s name.“
“Have you transferred the plants to larger pots? “
“Ted’s job was transferred to a different branch.“
“The patient was transferred to a specialized healthcare facility.“
“Your request has been transferred to the concerned authority.“
“The skills learned here can be transferred to your new role.“
“Your subscription has been transferred to the premium service plan.“
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning and correct usage of ‘transferring’?
‘Transferring’ is the present participle of the verb ‘transfer.’ It denotes the act of moving or passing something from one place, person, or system to another and is often used in continuous tenses, like “You are transferring the call now.”
Is the adjective ‘transferable’ spelled with one ‘r’ or two?
The adjective ‘transferable,’ meaning able to be transferred, is spelled with two ‘r’s. It describes something that can be moved or passed on from one person or entity to another.
Is there any difference between UK and US English when it comes to the spelling of transferred/transfered?
Whether you’re writing in American or British English, the spelling remains the same, which makes things simpler for you as an English professional. In contrast, some other verbs, like “cancel,” may differ between American and British usage (“canceled” in American English and “cancelled” in British English), but “transferred” does not have this variation.
