Spelling Rules
Learn the rules for adding endings like -ing, -ed, -er, and -est to words — including when to double letters or drop the silent e.
Rule 1: Just Add the Ending
When a word ends in more than one consonant, or ends in two vowels followed by a consonant, you can usually just add the ending without changing anything.
Base word
jump
jumping jumped
Base word
fast
faster fastest
Base word
clean
cleaner cleaned
Rule 2: Double the Consonant
When a short word ends in a single vowel followed by a single consonant, double the consonant before adding the ending. This keeps the short vowel sound.
run → running
Short "u" sound. One vowel (u) + one consonant (n) = double the n.
hop → hopped
Short "o" sound. One vowel (o) + one consonant (p) = double the p.
big → bigger
Short "i" sound. One vowel (i) + one consonant (g) = double the g.
sit → sitting
Short "i" sound. One vowel (i) + one consonant (t) = double the t.
Rule 3: Drop the Silent e
When a word ends in a silent e, drop the e before adding an ending that starts with a vowel (like -ing, -ed, -er, -est).
make
making
(drop the e)
skate
skated
(drop the e)
nice
nicer
(drop the e)
Key Vocabulary
Suffix
A group of letters added to the end of a word to change its meaning, such as -ing, -ed, -er, or -est.
Vowel
The letters a, e, i, o, and u. These make open sounds in words.
Consonant
Any letter that is not a vowel, such as b, c, d, f, g, h, j, k, l, m, n, p, q, r, s, t, v, w, x, y, z.
Silent e
An e at the end of a word that is not spoken aloud but makes the vowel before it say its long sound. For example: cake, bike, hope.
Worked Examples
Example 1: Adding -ing to "swim"
swim ends in short "i" + single consonant "m" → double the m.
swim → swimming
Example 2: Adding -er to "late"
late ends in a silent e → drop the e before adding -er.
late → later
Example 3: Adding -est to "soft"
soft ends in two consonants (ft) → just add -est, no changes needed.
soft → softest
Knowledge Check
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Key Concepts Summary
- ●Rule 1: If a word ends in two consonants or two vowels + consonant, just add the ending (e.g., fast → fastest).
- ●Rule 2: If a short word ends in 1 vowel + 1 consonant, double the consonant (e.g., run → running).
- ●Rule 3: If a word ends in a silent e, drop the e before adding a vowel ending (e.g., make → making).
- ●These rules apply to suffixes -ing, -ed, -er, and -est.