Desert vs. dessert: How to remember the difference

We saw a deserted car in the desert while eating dessert. It’s clear as mud, right?

Mixing up ‘desert’ and ‘dessert’ is one of the most common spelling mistakes in English. Even though they sound similar, using the wrong one can turn a survival story into a dinner order. Confusing the two can change the meaning of your sentence from “an oasis in the sand” to “an oasis in a cheesecake.”

This guide will help you master the spelling, pronunciation, and usage of these two commonly confused words.

Comparison at a glance: Desert vs. dessert

If you are in a hurry, use this quick comparison table to choose the right word for your context.

What is a desert?

A desert (noun) is a large, dry, barren region with little vegetation and very little rainfall. While we often think of sand dunes, deserts can also be cold, like parts of Antarctica.

• Example: “The Sahara is the largest hot desert in the world.”
• Pro tip: When you use ‘desert’ as a verb (to abandon), it sounds exactly like ‘dessert.’ This is where most people get confused!”

What is a dessert?

A dessert (noun) is a sweet course or dish served at the end of a meal. This includes everything from fruit and cheese to elaborate pastries and ice cream.

• Example: “For dessert, we had a rich chocolate cake with raspberry sauce.”
• Word origin: The word comes from the French desservir, which means “to clear the table.

How to remember desert vs. dessert: Mnemonics that work

The best way to ensure you never “order sand for dinner” is to use a simple memory trick. Here are the three most effective mnemonics:

1. The “seconds” rule: Dessert has two S‘s because you always want second servings of something sweet.
2. The “strawberry shortcake” rule: Strawberry Shortcake (two S’s) is a dessert. Sahara (one S) is a desert.
3. The “stress” rule: Dessert spelled backward is stressed. We often eat sweets when we are stressed!

Deserted vs. desserted

“Deserted” (one S) is the past tense of the verb to desert. It means a place is empty or abandoned. “Desserted” is not a word in the English language—though it would be a great way to describe someone covered in chocolate sauce!

Frequently asked questions about desert and dessert

Test your knowledge: Desert vs. dessert quiz

Think you’ve mastered the “S” count? Choose the correct word for each sentence below.

1. The soldier promised never to (desert / dessert) his comrades.
2. I am craving something sweet; let’s look at the (desert / dessert) menu.
3. It takes a lot of water to survive in the Mojave (desert / dessert).
4. After the argument, the restaurant was completely (deserted / desserted).
5. He finally got his just (deserts / desserts) when the truth came out.

Video to help you practice

Final thoughts on the “S” struggle

Even after years of writing, I still have to pause for a second before typing these out. It’s usually my craving for dark chocolate that reminds me: “Dessert always needs more.”

Do you have a favorite dessert that helps you remember the double S? Or perhaps a different mnemonic that works better for you?

Drop a comment below and let’s clear up the confusion together!