Spelling Rules
Spelling rules are consistent patterns in English that help us spell and read words more accurately and confidently.
What You Need to Know
Key Concept Diagram
The "i before e except after c" rule helps with words like believe (ie) and receive (ei after c)
When adding -ing or -ed to words ending in a single vowel + consonant, double the final consonant (e.g. run → running)
Words ending in a silent e usually drop the e before adding a vowel suffix (e.g. hope → hoping)
Homophones are words that sound the same but are spelled differently and have different meanings (e.g. their/there/they're)
Key Vocabulary
Suffix
A letter or group of letters added to the end of a word to change its meaning or form
Homophone
A word that sounds like another word but has a different spelling and meaning
Consonant
A letter that is not a vowel (a, e, i, o, u)
Silent e
An e at the end of a word that is not pronounced but affects the vowel sound before it
Knowledge Check
Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.
Question 1
Which spelling is correct?
Question 2
Which word is correctly spelled when adding -ing to "sit"?
Question 3
Which homophone correctly completes the sentence: "I love ___ dog."?
Key Concepts Summary
- ●The "i before e except after c" rule helps with words like believe (ie) and receive (ei after c)
- ●When adding -ing or -ed to words ending in a single vowel + consonant, double the final consonant (e.g. run → running)
- ●Words ending in a silent e usually drop the e before adding a vowel suffix (e.g. hope → hoping)
- ●Homophones are words that sound the same but are spelled differently and have different meanings (e.g. their/there/they're)