Spelling Strategies

Spelling in English can be tricky because many words are not spelled the way they sound. Luckily, there are strategies that can help. Learning spelling patterns, using memory tricks, and practicing regularly can make you a much better speller. Good spelling makes your writing easier to read.

Helpful Strategies

Break big words into smaller parts or syllables. Look for spelling patterns, like words that end in tion or ight. Use memory tricks called mnemonics, like big elephants can always understand small elephants to spell because. Practice tricky words by writing them several times.

Common Spelling Rules

Some rules can help you spell many words. The i before e except after c rule works for words like believe and receive. When adding an ending to a word with a silent e, you usually drop the e, like make becomes making. Learning these rules saves time and reduces mistakes.

Fun Facts

• The National Spelling Bee has been held in the United States since 1925.
• English has borrowed words from over 350 languages, which is one reason spelling is so complicated.
• The word misspell is one of the most commonly misspelled words.

Did You Know?

Before dictionaries were common, people spelled words however they wanted. Even William Shakespeare spelled his own name several different ways.