Siting vs. Sitting: The Correct Spellings

Various forms of the word "sitting" exist. For example, "sit" is the base form of the verb, while "sits" and "sat" are its present and past forms, respectively.

The words "siting" and "sitting" can cause some confusion, but their meanings and uses are quite distinct. "Sitting" is the accurate term when referring to the act of being seated or a period during which one is seated. In contrast, "siting" isn't an error per se, but its meaning pertains to locating or positioning something, especially in terms of building or construction.

The word "sitting" originates from the Old English 'sittan', which means 'to occupy a seat, sit down'. This historical usage has remained consistent over the years.

For those seeking a mnemonic to remember "sitting", think of the phrase "Sitting Tight". Both words in the phrase have double "t"s, which can help recall the correct spelling with two "t"s in "sitting".

Incorrect: She was siting in her favorite chair by the window.

Correct: She was sitting in her favorite chair by the window.

Incorrect: I enjoy siting by the lake and watching the sunset.

Correct: I enjoy sitting by the lake and watching the sunset.

Incorrect: The committee is siting down to discuss the new policy.

Correct: The committee is sitting down to discuss the new policy.

Incorrect: They were siting around the campfire telling stories.

Correct: They were sitting around the campfire telling stories.

A period during which one is seated and engaged in a particular activity.

A time or occasion at which a photographer takes a series of photographs.

The act of resting with one's weight supported by the buttocks or thighs.

The way in which an item of clothing fits someone when they are seated.

A continuous session or period of a particular activity.

The act or position of one that sits.

A period during which one is seated and occupied with a single activity, such as posing for a portrait or reading a book.

A session or term, as of a legislature or court.

An act, condition, or period of brooding on eggs by a bird; incubation.

The number of eggs under a brooding bird; a clutch.

Incubating a nest of eggs

Occupying an official position; incumbent.

Of or for sitting

Done or executed while sitting.

A period during which one is seated for a specific purpose.

A seance or other session with a medium or fortuneteller.

A special seat allotted to a seat-holder, at church, etc.

The part of the year in which judicial business is transacted.

A legislative session (in the sense of "meeting", not "period").

The incubation of eggs by a bird.

A clutch of eggs laid by a brooding bird.

Uninterrupted application to anything for a time; the period during which one continues at anything.

present participle of sit

Executed from a sitting position.

Occupying a specific official or legal position; incumbent.

Being in the state, or the position, of one who, or that which, sits.

The state or act of one who sits; the posture of one who occupies a seat.

A seat, or the space occupied by or allotted for a person, in a church, theater, etc.; as, the hall has 800 sittings.

The act or time of sitting, as to a portrait painter, photographer, etc.

The actual presence or meeting of any body of men in their seats, clothed with authority to transact business; a session; as, a sitting of the judges of the King's Bench, or of a commission.

The time during which one sits while doing something, as reading a book, playing a game, etc.

A brooding over eggs for hatching, as by fowls.

(photography) the act of assuming a certain position (as for a photograph or portrait);

the act of assuming or maintaining a seated position;

a meeting of spiritualists;

a session as of a legislature or court

(of persons) having the torso erect and legs bent with the body supported on the buttocks;

not moving and therefore easy to attack;

The cat enjoys sitting on the windowsill, watching the birds.

He was sitting on the floor, playing with the dog.

We were sitting at the cafe, enjoying the afternoon sun.

The children were sitting quietly, listening to the story.

She spends hours sitting at her desk, working on her novel.

I was sitting in the back row during the concert.

She was sitting under the tree, reading a book.

The students were sitting in a circle, discussing the project.

The jury was sitting attentively, listening to the testimony.

They love sitting by the fireplace on cold evenings.

She was sitting at the piano, practicing her scales.

She was sitting on the edge of the cliff, admiring the view.

She was sitting on the grass, painting the landscape.

He found her sitting on the bench, lost in thought.

They were sitting in the park, enjoying a picnic.

He was sitting in the corner, trying to stay out of the way.

He was sitting in the garden, surrounded by flowers.

They were sitting on the porch, watching the rain.

The passengers were sitting calmly, despite the turbulence.

They were sitting at the bar, discussing their day.

He was sitting in the waiting room, anxious and impatient.

She was sitting at the kitchen table, sipping her coffee.

The audience was sitting captivated by the performance.

They were sitting in the stadium, cheering for their team.

He was sitting by the pool, soaking up the sun.

In a good or favorable position, often with comfort or wealth.

An easy target or someone in a vulnerable position.

Possessing something of great value, often unrecognized.

In a dangerous or volatile situation.

Overseeing someone who is expected to be responsible.

Waiting patiently and taking no action.

Not participating actively or directly involved.

Feeling extremely happy or exultant.

In Jewish tradition, a period of mourning observed at home.

Undecided or neutral, not taking sides in a dispute.

To assume the role of judging or deciding on a matter.

To learn from someone; to be a disciple or student.

Causing discomfort, dissatisfaction, or disagreement.

When an event or venue is so full that there are no seats left, only room to stand.

Yes, "sitting" can describe a continuous session or period of a specific activity, like reading or working.

Yes, "siting" derives from "site", referring to the act of choosing or determining a location for something.

Yes, "siting" is a valid word, meaning the act of choosing or determining a site or location for something.

Remember that "sitting" relates to being seated and has two "t"s. Think of "Sitting Tight" for double "t"s. "Siting", with one "t", is about choosing a location.

Yes, it can describe how clothing fits when someone is seated, like the comfort level or appearance.

"Sitting" often indicates a posture where one's weight is supported by the buttocks or thighs, with the upper body more or less upright.

"Sitting" comes from Old English 'sittan', meaning 'to occupy a seat or sit down'.

"Sitting" refers to the act of being seated, while "siting" relates to the location or position of something, often in construction or planning contexts.

In photography, a "sitting" refers to a session during which a series of photographs are taken.

Yes, "sit" is the base form, "sits" is the third person singular present, and "sat" is the past tense.