Have you ever stopped while writing the word attendance and wondered if it should be spelled attendance or attendence? You’re not alone. This is one of the most common English spelling mistakes because both versions sound very similar when spoken. Many students, teachers, office workers, and even experienced writers accidentally write attendence, but only one spelling is accepted in standard English.
The correct spelling is attendance. It is a noun that refers to the act of being present at a place, event, class, meeting, or activity. Schools use attendance records to track students, businesses monitor employee attendance, and event organizers count attendance to measure participation.
The misspelling attendence usually happens because people confuse the endings -ance and -ence, which appear in many English words. However, in this case, the correct ending is always -ance.
In this guide, you’ll learn the correct spelling, meaning, pronunciation, grammar rules, examples, common mistakes, memory tricks, and frequently asked questions about attendance or attendence.
Quick Answer
| Spelling | Correct? |
|---|---|
| ✅ Attendance | Correct |
| ❌ Attendence | Incorrect |
Attendance means the state of being present at an event, class, meeting, or workplace.
Examples
- Student attendance improved this year.
- Attendance at the conference was excellent.
- Regular attendance is required.
What Does “Attendance” Mean?
Attendance is a noun.
It refers to being present at a particular place or event. It can also describe the number of people who attend an event.
Examples
- Her attendance at school is excellent.
- The meeting had high attendance.
- Daily attendance is recorded by the teacher.
- Employee attendance affects workplace productivity.
Why Is “Attendence” Incorrect?
The spelling attendence is a common mistake because people assume the word ends with -ence instead of -ance.
The correct spelling is always:
Attendance
No standard English dictionary recognizes attendence as a correct word.
Grammar Role of Attendance
Attendance functions as a noun.
It is commonly used to describe:
- Being present
- The number of people present
- Official attendance records
Common Expressions
- School attendance
- Class attendance
- Employee attendance
- Attendance record
- Attendance policy
- Attendance sheet
- Attendance rate
- Perfect attendance
Attendance in American English
American English always uses attendance.
Examples
- Attendance is required for all students.
- The seminar had excellent attendance.
- Employee attendance is monitored daily.
- Attendance increased this month.
- She received an award for perfect attendance.
Attendance in British English
British English also uses attendance.
Examples
- Attendance at today’s meeting was impressive.
- School attendance has improved.
- Staff attendance is recorded electronically.
- The event attracted high attendance.
- Attendance is compulsory.
There is no spelling difference between American and British English.
Attendance vs Attendence
| Feature | Attendance | Attendence |
|---|---|---|
| Correct spelling | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Dictionary word | Yes | No |
| Meaning | Being present | No meaning |
| Part of speech | Noun | Incorrect spelling |
| Used in formal writing | Yes | No |
| American English | Yes | No |
| British English | Yes | No |
Pronunciation
Attendance
UK IPA: /əˈten.dəns/
US IPA: /əˈten.dəns/
Pronunciation:
uh-TEN-duhns
Although the ending sounds like -ence, the correct spelling ends with -ance.
Common Uses of “Attendance”
In Schools
- Student attendance is taken every morning.
- Poor attendance can affect grades.
In Workplaces
- Attendance is recorded electronically.
- Good attendance improves productivity.
At Events
- Attendance exceeded expectations.
- The concert had record attendance.
In Healthcare
- Patients are reminded about attendance at appointments.
- Clinic attendance has increased.
Attendance vs Similar Words
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Attendance | Being present |
| Presence | The state of being somewhere |
| Participation | Taking part in an activity |
| Admission | Permission to enter |
| Enrollment | Official registration |
Examples
- Attendance was mandatory.
- Her presence was appreciated.
- Student participation was excellent.
Common Mistakes
Incorrect
❌ Student attendence is important.
Correct
✅ Student attendance is important.
Incorrect
❌ Perfect attendence earns a certificate.
Correct
✅ Perfect attendance earns a certificate.
Incorrect
❌ The event had excellent attendence.
Correct
✅ The event had excellent attendance.
Incorrect
❌ Office attendence is monitored daily.
Correct
✅ Office attendance is monitored daily.
Real-Life Examples
School
- Attendance is checked every morning.
- Good attendance improves learning.
Office
- Employee attendance affects team performance.
- The company tracks attendance digitally.
Meetings
- Attendance was higher than expected.
- Attendance is mandatory for all managers.
Events
- Concert attendance broke previous records.
- Attendance at the festival was outstanding.
American English Example Sentences
- Attendance is required.
- Her attendance has improved.
- Attendance reached a record high.
- Perfect attendance deserves recognition.
- Attendance was taken before class.
- Employee attendance is monitored.
- Conference attendance exceeded expectations.
- Attendance affects performance.
- Low attendance caused concern.
- Daily attendance is recorded.
British English Example Sentences
- Attendance at school is compulsory.
- Attendance has increased this term.
- The conference enjoyed excellent attendance.
- Attendance was better than expected.
- Staff attendance is carefully monitored.
- Regular attendance is encouraged.
- Attendance records are maintained electronically.
- Attendance at the meeting was excellent.
- The event attracted large attendance.
- Good attendance benefits everyone.
Easy Memory Tricks
Remember the Ending
The word ends with:
-ANCE
Not -ENCE.
Think of the Base Word
Attend → Attendance
Simply add -ance.
Say It Slowly
At
Ten
Dance
Many learners remember it by noticing that attendance ends with “dance.”
Practice
Write it three times:
Attendance
Attendance
Attendance
Frequently Asked Questions
Is attendance or attendence correct?
Attendance is the correct spelling.
Is attendence a real word?
No. It is a common spelling mistake.
What does attendance mean?
It means being present at a place, event, school, or workplace.
Is attendance a noun?
Yes.
How do you spell attendance?
A-T-T-E-N-D-A-N-C-E
Is the spelling different in British and American English?
No. Both use attendance.
How do you pronounce attendance?
uh-TEN-duhns
Can attendance refer to the number of people at an event?
Yes. It can describe both the act of attending and the number of people present.
People Also Ask
Why do people spell attendance as attendence?
Because many English words end in -ence, leading people to assume this word follows the same pattern. However, attendance correctly ends in -ance.
Is attendance used in formal writing?
Yes. It is widely used in schools, businesses, healthcare, government documents, and academic writing.
What’s the easiest way to remember attendance?
Think of the base word attend, then add -ance. Another helpful trick is to remember that attendance ends with “dance.”
Is attendance always singular?
No. It is usually an uncountable noun, but it can also refer to a specific attendance record or figure depending on the context.
Conclusion
If you’re wondering “Attendance or Attendence: Which Spelling Is Correct?”, the answer is simple: attendance is the only correct spelling. The word attendence is a common mistake and should never be used in formal or informal writing.
Attendance refers to being present at a school, workplace, meeting, or event, and it is commonly used in education, business, healthcare, and everyday communication. Both American English and British English use the same spelling.
A simple way to remember the correct spelling is to think of the base word attend and add -ance. With this easy rule and regular practice, you’ll confidently spell attendance correctly every time.
