Spelling

Basic Rules

English spellings can be regular or irregular but there’s a system to learn. Regular spellings follow patterns, while irregular ones don’t.
Homophones (words that sound the same but have different meanings and often different spellings) can be particularly challenging.
When spelling words, remember to use the correct form. Verbs, nouns, adjectives, and adverbs all have different forms, and sometimes, different spellings.

Tips to Enhance Spelling

Practice is key. Regularly write out words that you find difficult to spell.
Make use of spelling tools or apps to self-test.
Breakdown challenging words into syllables or smaller parts to make it easier to remember the spelling.
Try to learn the root word. Many words in English come from a base word and it improves understanding and encourages correct spelling.

Problematic Areas

Words with silent letters (e.g. knee, psalm) can be tricky, so require more attention.
Words borrowed from other languages can have unfamiliar spellings, e.g ‘croissant’. Learning to spot these can make them easier to remember.
Care should be taken with contractions (e.g. it’s, I’m). Ensure the right form is in use to avoid spelling errors.
Beware of aliases, where the same word can have more than one correct spelling (such as colour/color). Stick with the British English version.

Common Spelling Rules

I before E except after C: believed, receipt.
When two vowels go walking, the first one does the talking, it says its name: coat, team.
Add -es for names and things in plural form that end in -s, -sh, -ch, -x, and -z: buses, wishes, lunches, boxes, quizzes.
When a word ends in a consonant and ‘y’, change the ‘y’ to ‘i’ before adding an ending (unless the ending is -ing): carried, carrying.
Words ending with a single vowel and a single consonant, the final consonant is often doubled before adding an ending that begins with a vowel: hopped, hopping.

Proofreading and Error Correction

Regular proofreading is crucial to catch and correct spelling mistakes.
Reading aloud can be an effective way to spot spelling errors.
Use a dictionary to double-check spellings of difficult words.
Cross-checking with textbooks, reference materials, or reliable online resources is a good practice.

Remember, even proficient writers make spelling mistakes; the key is to learn from them, so stay positive and persistent!