Spelling Rules (It Really Does.)
WRITTEN November 1, 2019
Spelling rules in English can be challenging and confusing. There are a few rules to follow as well as some important exceptions to remember. Read on for some of the rules and exceptions of spelling.
ie and ei
One way to remember the ie-ei rule is with this rhyme:i before e except after c
except when sounded like ay
as in “neighbor” and “weigh.”
Examples:
- Receive
- Believe
- Grief
For common exceptions to this rule, remember:
Neither the feisty weird foreigner nor her beige neighbor seizes leisure or forfeits height during a heist.
Silent –e
Have you ever noticed how many words in the English language end in the letter ‘e’ where that “e”, even though it is never pronounced? The “e” is silent. Why is it there? Sometimes it is there to indicate pronunciation within the word, for a vowel: PIN vs PINE, or for a consonant: STAG vs STAGE.
Drop the silent -e if the ending begins with a vowel.
write + ing = writing
love + able = lovable
use + age = usage
Keep the silent -e if the ending begins with a consonant.
excite + ment = excitement
care + ful = careful
nine + ty = ninety
The –y ending
Change –y to –i and add ending if the –y follows a consonant (fly/flies).
scurry + ed = scurried
sturdy + er = sturdier
costly + ness = costliness
Keep the –y when adding –ing.
delay + ing = delaying
buy + ing = buying
hurry + ing = hurrying
Keep the –y if the –y follows a vowel.
employ + ed = employed
play + ful = playful
delay + ed = delayed
Spelling rules can be tricky. English is full of surprises. Sometimes, the rules work. Other times, they don’t. That can make writing feel confusing. But don’t worry—there are ways to make it easier.
First, remember the spelling rules you’ve learned. They give you a good place to start. Look for patterns. For example, “i before e except after c.” Or, “drop the e before adding -ing.” These spelling rules help most of the time.
But English has a lot of exceptions. That’s why it’s smart to use tools like spell-check. Programs like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, even your email software can catch many errors. They make writing easier. Still, spell-check is not perfect. It can miss mistakes. Sometimes, it even suggests the wrong word.
So, what should you do? Use both spelling rules and spell-check together. Pay attention to the rules you know. Double-check words that look strange. If you’re not sure, look it up. There are many online dictionaries and apps that can help.
In the end, spelling rules are here to help you. They make writing clearer. They help you share your ideas. The more you practice, the easier it gets. Don’t be afraid of mistakes. Everyone makes them. Just keep using your spelling rules, and you’ll get better every day!
Register today for the next Improving Communications Business Grammar and Usage training class. If you’re looking for ways to improve your overall communication skills, register for one of our upcoming public classes in NYC.
Other Resources:
Silent E | Phonics Songs for Kids | Jack Hartmann (Video)
Five Spelling Rules for “Silent Final E”
Image by Becca Dzomback on Flickr
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