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Help with Spelling Problems for ESL Classes

By , About.com Guide

Here are the most common spelling rules in English. For exceptions to the rules take a look at Common Spelling Problems.

Final -E

Leave off the final 'e' in the following cases:

  • When the word ends in 'e' adding a suffix that begins with a vowel (this is usually the case, although there are exceptions such as 'outrageous').

    make - making
    note - notable

  • Do not leave out the final 'e' when a word ends in 'ee'.

    agree - agreeable

  • Words ending in 'ge' and 'ce' do NOT drop the final 'e'

    encourage - encouragement
    embrace - embraceable

'IE' and 'EI'

This is a common spelling problem, even for native English speakers. Probably the best thing to do is remember this rhyme:

I before E except after C

relief
thief
believe

BUT

perceive
receipt
ceiling

'Y' and 'I'

When adding an ending to a word that finishes in 'y', the 'y' usually changes to 'i':

  • Most nouns and verbs that end in 'y' have plural or third person singular conjugations that change to 'i'.

    party - parties
    hurry - She hurries to work.

  • When changing the word form (for example from adjective to adverb)

    happy - happily
    lazy - lazily
    easy - easier

  • Do NOT change the final 'y' to 'i' when 'y' is preceded by a vowel

    stay - stays
    enjoy - enjoyed

    EXCEPTIONS:

    say, lay, pay - said, laid, paid

  • Do NOT change the final 'y' to 'i' when followed by '-ing', '-ism', '-ish'.

    boy - boyish
    try - trying

'IE' to 'Y'

When a word ends in 'ie' change to 'y' before adding '-ing'

die - dying
lie - lying

More information spelling problems in English

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