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 - enjoyedEXCEPTIONS:
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
