You are about to send in a job application, a school assignment, or a business form. You type the word “submission” in a subject line, pause, and wonder: is it submission or submittion? It is a small word, but a spelling slip in an email or on a cover page can make your work look careless.
This guide settles the question of submission vs submittion in plain language. You will learn which spelling is correct, why the other one is wrong, what the word means, and how to use it in sentences. You will also find tables, memory tricks, and a short practice session to lock the spelling in.
Quick Answer
“Submission” is the correct spelling. “Submittion” is always wrong.
Here is the short version:
- Correct: submission
- Incorrect: submittion
- Why: the verb submit changes its ending to -ssion when it becomes a noun, just like admit becomes admission and permit becomes permission.
- Easy memory trick: submit loses its final t and gains -ssion.
If you remember only one thing, remember this: no standard English dictionary lists “submittion” as a word.
Which One Is Correct? Submission vs Submittion
Only one of these two spellings exists in standard English, and it is submission.
| Spelling | Correct? | Notes |
| Submission | Yes | Standard noun form of submit |
| Submittion | No | A common misspelling, not a real word |
| Submition | No | Another frequent error |
| Submision | No | Missing one s |
The confusion is easy to understand. The verb is spelled s-u-b-m-i-t, and its past forms are submitted and submitting, with a doubled t. Because the t is so visible in the verb, many writers assume the noun must keep it and simply add -ion, giving “submittion.”
English does not work that way here. When the word turns into a noun, the final t drops out and the -ssion ending takes over.
A Simple Example
- Correct: Please confirm your submission before Friday.
- Incorrect: Please confirm your ~~submittion~~ before Friday.
Meaning of Submission
Submission is a noun with a few related meanings. The most common ones are listed below.
1. The Act of Handing Something In
This is the meaning most people search for. A submission is the act of presenting a document, form, piece of work, or proposal to a person or organization so they can review it.
- The submission of tax forms is handled online.
- Your thesis submission must follow the university’s formatting rules.
2. The Thing That Was Handed In
The word can also name the item itself.
- The editor received more than fifty submissions this month.
- Each submission will be read by two reviewers.
3. Yielding to Authority or Another Person
In a more general sense, submission means accepting the authority or will of someone else.
- The rebels finally agreed to submission.
- He nodded in quiet submission to the committee’s decision.
4. A Formal Argument Presented to a Court
In legal writing, particularly in British and Commonwealth courts, submissions are the arguments a lawyer presents to a judge.
- Counsel made oral submissions on the question of costs.
Context almost always makes clear which meaning is intended. In everyday office, school, and online use, the first two meanings dominate.
Submission vs Application
People often treat these two words as interchangeable, but they are not identical. They overlap when you “submit an application,” which is probably why they get mixed up.
| Feature | Submission | Application |
| Core idea | The act of handing something in, or the item handed in | A formal request for something |
| Focus | Delivery and receipt | Asking for a job, place, loan, permit, or benefit |
| Needs a request? | No | Yes |
| Typical examples | Assignment submission, article submission, form submission | Job application, visa application, loan application |
The easiest way to separate them is this: an application is a type of request, while a submission is the act of delivering something. You can make a submission that is not an application. For example, a writer sends a manuscript submission to a magazine, but that is not a request for a job or a permit.
You can also combine them correctly:
- Your application must be ready before the submission deadline.
- The submission of your application is confirmed by email.
In that sentence pair, application is the document, and submission is the act of sending it.
Why “Submittion” Is Incorrect
“Submittion” fails for three clear reasons.
It Breaks a Reliable Spelling Pattern
English has a group of verbs ending in -mit. When these verbs become nouns, they usually take -mission or -mitment instead of -mittion.
| Verb | Noun |
| submit | submission |
| admit | admission |
| permit | permission |
| commit | commission / commitment |
| omit | omission |
| emit | emission |
| transmit | transmission |
| remit | remission |
Notice that none of the nouns in this list ends in -mittion. “Submittion” would be the only exception, and there is no reason for it to be one.
It Mixes Up Two Different Word Forms
The double t belongs to the verb forms submitted and submitting. Those forms double the consonant because the stress falls on the last syllable of submit. The noun is built differently. Writers who carry the double t into the noun are mixing the rules of two separate word forms.
It Is Not Recognized by Dictionaries
Standard dictionaries list submission, submit, submitted, and submitting. They do not list “submittion.” A spell checker will usually flag it with a red underline, which is a quick way to catch the mistake.
How to Spell Submission Correctly
The correct spelling is s-u-b-m-i-s-s-i-o-n. That is ten letters, with two s letters in the middle.
Break It Into Syllables
Saying the word in parts helps:
sub – mis – sion
- sub (as in subway)
- mis (as in missing)
- sion (pronounced like “shun”)
The middle chunk, mis, ends the second syllable, and the -sion ending finishes the word. There is no t anywhere in the noun.
Memory Tricks That Work
- Trade the T for double S. Think of submit giving up its t in exchange for -ssion.
- Match it with its relatives. If you can spell admission and permission, you can spell submission. They share the same ending.
- Spot the “miss.” The word contains miss in the middle: submission. Picture “you must not miss your submission.”
- Say “shun,” then write “ssion.” The sound at the end is “shun,” but the spelling is -ssion.
Quick Self-Check
Before you hit send, ask yourself: Does my word have two s letters together and no t before the ending? If yes, you wrote it correctly.
Common Spelling Mistakes of Submission
Misspellings tend to follow a few predictable patterns. Here are the ones writers run into most often.
| Incorrect spelling | What went wrong | Correct spelling |
| Submittion | Kept the t from submit | Submission |
| Submition | Dropped one t but did not add double s | Submission |
| Submision | Used a single s | Submission |
| Submmission | Doubled the wrong letter | Submission |
| Submissoin | Swapped the last two letters | Submission |
| Submittal (used wrongly) | Used a different word in a general context | Submission |
Two points are worth noticing:
- Most errors come from the same root problem: writers try to hear the spelling instead of applying the -ssion pattern.
- Typing errors, such as swapped letters, are different from spelling confusion. A quick proofread catches them.
Submission Grammar Usage and Word Forms
Knowing the grammar around submission helps you use it with confidence.
Part of Speech
Submission is a noun. It can be countable (“three submissions”) or uncountable (“submission to authority”), depending on the meaning.
The Word Family
| Word | Part of speech | Example |
| submit | Verb | Please submit your report today. |
| submits | Verb (third person) | She submits her work early. |
| submitted | Verb (past tense) | I submitted the form yesterday. |
| submitting | Verb (-ing form) | He is submitting his proposal now. |
| submission | Noun | Your submission was received. |
| submissions | Noun (plural) | All submissions close at noon. |
| resubmission | Noun | A resubmission is allowed once. |
| submitter | Noun (person) | Each submitter receives a receipt. |
| submissive | Adjective | The dog had a submissive posture. |
| submissively | Adverb | He agreed submissively. |
| submissiveness | Noun | Her submissiveness surprised everyone. |
Notice the pattern. The forms built on the verb keep the t (submitted, submitting, submitter). The forms built on the noun use -ss- (submission, submissive). That split is the key to getting the spelling right every time.
Common Prepositions
- submission of a document: the submission of your essay
- submission to a person or body: submission to the editor
- submission for a purpose: submission for review
- in submission: they bowed in submission
Example Sentences
- The portal closes for submission at midnight.
- Late submissions will lose points.
- Thank you for your submission. We will respond within a week.
- After the resubmission, the paper was accepted.
Submission vs Submittal
A related word sometimes appears in professional settings: submittal.
Submittal is a real word, and it is listed in major dictionaries. It means roughly the same as submission, the act of submitting something. It is most common in construction, engineering, and government work in the United States, where it often refers to documents such as drawings, product data, or samples sent for approval.
| Feature | Submission | Submittal |
| Recognized word? | Yes | Yes |
| General use | Very common | Less common |
| Typical field | Everyday, academic, legal, business | Construction, engineering, project management |
| Tone | Neutral and widely understood | Technical and industry-specific |
Which One Should You Use?
For most readers, submission is the safer choice. It is understood everywhere and fits nearly every context. Use submittal only when you are writing for an industry where it is standard, such as a construction contract that already uses that term.
Do not confuse submittal with the misspelling submittion. They look similar, but one is an accepted term and the other is an error.
Submission of a Document in Real Life
The word shows up in daily life more often than you might expect. Here are common situations where you would write or read it.
At Work
- Expense report submission is due on the last working day of the month.
- Your submission has been sent to the manager for approval.
At School and University
- Assignment submission is handled through the learning portal.
- The system gives you a confirmation after each submission.
Online
- After you click the button, a form submission confirmation appears.
- The site accepts guest post submissions through a contact page.
In Creative Fields
- Poetry submissions are open until the end of the month.
- The festival accepted film submissions from first-time directors.
Tips for a Clean Document Submission
- Read the instructions first. Check the file type, size, and naming rules.
- Proofread the document. Check names, dates, and spelling.
- Submit before the deadline. Leave time for technical problems.
- Save your confirmation. Keep the receipt, email, or reference number.
- Follow up politely if needed. If you hear nothing after a reasonable time, send a short, courteous message.
Submission in Academic and Legal Contexts
Both academic and legal writing use submission in specific ways.
Academic Use
In universities and research, a submission usually means work sent in for assessment or review.
- Assignment submission: coursework handed in for grading.
- Thesis or dissertation submission: the final document sent to the department or graduate office.
- Manuscript submission: a paper sent to a journal for peer review.
- Conference paper submission: an abstract or full paper sent to organizers.
Typical phrases include submission guidelines, submission portal, submission checklist, and submission requirements. Journals and institutions publish their own rules, so always follow the specific instructions you are given.
- Authors should review the journal’s submission guidelines before uploading.
- Your dissertation submission must include the signed declaration page.
Legal Use
In law, the word has more than one role, and the meaning depends on the legal system.
- Written or oral submissions: the arguments presented to a court or tribunal. This usage is especially common in the United Kingdom, Australia, and other Commonwealth countries.
- Submission to jurisdiction: agreeing that a particular court has authority over a dispute.
- Submission to arbitration: agreeing to settle a dispute through an arbitrator instead of a court.
Example sentences:
- The barrister filed written submissions ahead of the hearing.
- Both parties agreed to a submission to arbitration.
Legal terms carry exact meanings. If you are preparing a real legal document, it is wise to rely on the court’s own rules or a qualified professional.
Submission Date Meaning and Importance
A submission date is the day on which something is handed in or received. It can also be the last day on which you are allowed to hand it in. Many people use submission date, submission deadline, and due date in a similar way, though they can differ slightly.
| Term | Usual meaning |
| Submission date | The date something was, or must be, submitted |
| Submission deadline | The last allowed moment to submit |
| Due date | The date work is expected |
| Closing date | The day a submission window ends |
Why It Matters
- Fairness: A fixed date gives everyone the same amount of time.
- Records: The date proves when you sent your work, which can matter if a dispute comes up.
- Planning: Reviewers, teachers, and managers schedule their own work around it.
- Eligibility: Some competitions, grants, and applications reject anything that arrives late.
Practical Advice
- Check whether the deadline uses a specific time and time zone, not just a date.
- Aim to submit at least a few hours early.
- Take a screenshot or save the confirmation email as proof.
Example sentences:
- The submission date for the grant proposal is the fifteenth of the month.
- Please write the submission date at the top of the form.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Also Read This:Orientated vs. Oriented: What’s the Difference? Meaning & Usage
Beyond spelling, writers also stumble over how the word is used. Here are the mistakes to watch for.
1. Spelling It “Submittion”
This is the main error covered in this article. Remember: submit loses the t and takes -ssion.
2. Using the Verb Instead of the Noun
- Incorrect: Please send your submit by Monday.
- Correct: Please send your submission by Monday.
3. Using the Noun Instead of the Verb
- Incorrect: Please submission the form today.
- Correct: Please submit the form today.
4. Writing “Submitted” With One T
- Incorrect: I submited the file.
- Correct: I submitted the file.
5. Mixing Up Submission and Application
Remember that an application is a request, while a submission is the act of delivering something. Using them together is fine, as long as each word does its own job.
6. Choosing “Submittal” in the Wrong Setting
Submittal is correct in technical industries, but it can sound unusual in everyday writing. When in doubt, choose submission.
7. Forgetting the Plural
- Incorrect: We received many submission.
- Correct: We received many submissions.
Quick Proofreading Checklist
- Is there a t before -ion? If so, fix it.
- Are there two s letters in the middle?
- Does the sentence need a noun (submission) or a verb (submit)?
- Is the plural form correct?
Practice Session
Test yourself with these short exercises. Answers appear at the end.
Exercise 1: Choose the Correct Spelling
Pick the right word in each sentence.
- Your (submission / submittion) was received successfully.
- The deadline for (submission / submision) is Friday.
- Please check the (submition / submission) guidelines.
- She is proud of her thesis (submission / submittion).
Exercise 2: Fill in the Blank
Use submit, submitted, submitting, or submission.
- Please ______ your form before noon.
- I ______ my report last night.
- He is ______ his application right now.
- The ______ was approved by the committee.
Exercise 3: Find and Fix the Error
Correct the mistake in each sentence.
- The submittion period ends tomorrow.
- We are still waiting on your submited work.
- Late submission is not accepted. (Rewrite to make it plural.)
Exercise 4: Match the Meaning
Match each phrase with the best description.
| Phrase | Description |
| 1. Manuscript submission | A. Arguments presented to a judge |
| 2. Written submissions (court) | B. A paper sent to a journal for review |
| 3. Submission date | C. The day work is handed in or due |
Answers
Exercise 1: 1. submission; 2. submission; 3. submission; 4. submission.
Exercise 2: 1. submit; 2. submitted; 3. submitting; 4. submission.
Exercise 3: 1. The submission period ends tomorrow. 2. We are still waiting on your submitted work. 3. Late submissions are not accepted.
Exercise 4: 1 – B; 2 – A; 3 – C.
Final Thoughts
The debate over submission vs submittion has a simple outcome: submission is the only correct spelling. “Submittion” is a common slip that comes from carrying the t of submit into the noun, but English changes the ending to -ssion, just as it does with admission, permission, and omission.
To keep it straight, remember three points:
- The verb keeps its t: submit, submitted, submitting.
- The noun swaps the t for -ssion: submission.
- The word submittal is a real but specialized term, so choose submission unless your industry says otherwise.
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