Premisses vs. Premises: Clearing the Confusion
The correct spelling is premises. It refers to a building or land and its surrounding area.
People often type “premisses” because the extra “s” feels right for a plural, or they confuse the word with “premise” (a starting assumption in logic). Spell-check rarely flags it, so the typo sticks.
Correct Spelling and Rules
Use premises when talking about property: “No smoking on the premises.” The singular premise is for arguments or theories.
Common Mistakes
Adding an extra “s” creates “premisses,” which is never standard English. Another slip is using “premise” for a building—reserve that for ideas.
Is it ever okay to write “premisses”?
No. The standard spelling is always premises for property.
Can I use “premise” for a house?
No. For buildings or land, stick with premises.
How do I remember the difference?
Think of the extra “i” in premises as standing for “in the building.”