diff --git a/synapse/storage/data_stores/__init__.py b/synapse/storage/data_stores/__init__.py
index 7c14ba91c2..791961b296 100644
--- a/synapse/storage/data_stores/__init__.py
+++ b/synapse/storage/data_stores/__init__.py
@@ -67,7 +67,7 @@ class DataStores(object):
                     self.main = main_store_class(database, db_conn, hs)
 
                     # If we're on a process that can persist events (currently
-                    # master), also instansiate a `PersistEventsStore`
+                    # master), also instantiate a `PersistEventsStore`
                     if hs.config.worker.worker_app is None:
                         self.persist_events = PersistEventsStore(
                             hs, database, self.main
diff --git a/synapse/storage/data_stores/main/events.py b/synapse/storage/data_stores/main/events.py
index 092739962b..a97f8b3934 100644
--- a/synapse/storage/data_stores/main/events.py
+++ b/synapse/storage/data_stores/main/events.py
@@ -118,7 +118,7 @@ class DeltaState:
 class PersistEventsStore:
     """Contains all the functions for writing events to the database.
 
-    Should only be instansiated on one process (when using a worker mode setup).
+    Should only be instantiated on one process (when using a worker mode setup).
 
     Note: This is not part of the `DataStore` mixin.
     """