Common Spelling Rules

Spelling

One essential aspect of good writing is accurate spelling. With computer spell checkers, spelling may seem simple, but these programs fail to catch every error. Spell checkers identify some errors, but writers still have to consider the flagged words and suggested replacements. Writers are still responsible for the errors that remain.

For example, if the spell checker highlights a word that is misspelled and gives you a list of alternative words, you may choose a word that you never intended even though it is spelled correctly. This can change the meaning of your sentence. It can also confuse readers, making them lose interest. Computer spell checkers are useful editing tools, but they can never replace human knowledge of spelling rules, homonyms, and commonly misspelled words.

Common Spelling Rules

The best way to master new words is to understand the key spelling rules. Keep in mind, however, that some spelling rules carry exceptions. A spell checker may catch these exceptions, but knowing them yourself will prepare you to spell accurately on the first try. You may want to try memorizing each rule and its exception like you would memorize a rhyme or lyrics to a song.

Write i before e except after c, or when pronounced ay like “neighbor” or “weigh.”

·         achieve, niece, alien

·         receive, deceive

When words end in a consonant plus y, drop the y and add an i before adding another ending.

·         happy + er = happier

·         cry + ed = cried

When words end in a vowel plus y, keep the y and add the ending.

·         delay + ed = delayed

Memorize the following exceptions to this rule: day, lay, say, pay = daily, laid, said, paid

 When adding an ending that begins with a vowel, such as –able, –ence, –ing, or –ity, drop the last e in a word.

·         write + ing = writing

·         pure + ity = purity

When adding an ending that begins with a consonant, such as –less, –ment, or –ly, keep the last e in a word.

·         hope + less = hopeless

·         advertise + ment = advertisement

For many words ending in a consonant and an o, add –s when using the plural form.

·         photo + s = photos

·         soprano + s = sopranos

Add –es to words that end in s, ch, sh, and x.

·         church + es = churches

·         fax + es = faxes

Homonyms

Homonyms are words that sound like one another but have different meanings.

Commonly Misused Homonyms

Principle, Principal

·         Principle (noun). A fundamental concept that is accepted as true.The principle of human equality is an important foundation for all nations.

·         Principal (noun). The original amount of debt on which interest is calculated.The payment plan allows me to pay back only the principal amount, not any compounded interest.

·         Principal (noun). A person who is the main authority of a school.The principal held a conference for both parents and teachers.

Where, Wear, Ware

·         Where (adverb). The place in which something happens.Where is the restaurant?

·         Wear (verb). To carry or have on the body.I will wear my hiking shoes when go on a climb tomorrow morning.

·         Ware (noun). Articles of merchandise or manufacture (usually, wares).When I return from shopping, I will show you my wares.

Lead, Led

·         Lead (noun). A type of metal used in pipes and batteries.The lead pipes in my homes are old and need to be replaced.

·         Led (verb). The past tense of the verb lead.After the garden, she led the patrons through the museum.

Which, Witch

·         Which (pronoun). Replaces one out of a group.Which apartment is yours?

·         Witch (noun). A person who practices sorcery or who has supernatural powers.She thinks she is a witch, but she does not seem to have any powers.

Peace, Piece

·         Peace (noun). A state of tranquility or quiet.For once, there was peace between the argumentative brothers.

·         Piece (noun). A part of a whole.I would like a large piece of cake, thank you.

Passed, Past

·         Passed (verb). To go away or move.He passed the slower cars on the road using the left lane.

·         Past (noun). Having existed or taken place in a period before the present.The argument happened in the past, so there is no use in dwelling on it.

Lessen, Lesson

·         Lessen (verb). To reduce in number, size, or degree.My dentist gave me medicine to lessen the pain of my aching tooth.

·         Lesson (noun). A reading or exercise to be studied by a student.Today’s lesson was about mortgage interest rates.

Patience, Patients

·         Patience (noun). The capacity of being patient (waiting for a period of time or enduring pains and trials calmly).The novice teacher’s patience with the unruly class was astounding.

·         Patients (plural noun). Individuals under medical care.The patients were tired of eating the hospital food, and they could not wait for a home-cooked meal.

Sees, Seas, Seize

·         Sees (verb). To perceive with the eye.He sees a whale through his binoculars.

·         Seas (plural noun). The plural of sea, a great body of salt water.The tidal fluctuation of the oceans and seas are influenced by the moon.

·         Seize (verb). To possess or take by force.The king plans to seize all the peasants’ land.

Threw, Through

·         Threw (verb). The past tense of throw.She threw the football with perfect form.

·         Through (preposition). A word that indicates movement.She walked through the door and out of his life.