The complete list of English spelling rules

English Spelling Rules 2

Lesson 12: Double Letter Endings -ll, -ff, -ss, -zz

Lesson 13: I Before E Except After C

Lesson 14: Comparative and Superlative Adjectives

Lesson 15: Forming Adverbs

Lesson 16: -able or -ibl

Lesson 17: -ance or -ence and -ancy or -ency

Lesson 18: -ious or -eous

Lesson 19: -sion, -tion, or -cion

Specific spelling rules for verb tenses

Lesson 12: Double Letter Endings -ll, -ff, -ss, -zz

This lesson talks about some common double letter endings for words in English: -ll, -ff, -ss, and -zz.

These doubled letters usually appear at the end of one- and two-syllable words after a single vowel. We say "usually" because there are some exceptions to this guideline.

As we look at examples for each double letter, we will also look at some common exceptions so that you can remember these words.

1. Double L

Paula will call her friend and tell her what happened.

There are many examples of one- and two-syllable words in English that end in -ll after a single vowel. The most common have only one syllable.

Here are some of the most common examples:

alltellstillfullsellbillhallpull

cellballskilltallrollfillhill

smellspellshellballkillrecallfootball

There are very few exceptions to this rule. The only words you will commonly see that end with a single vowel and a single l are: pal, which means friend, and nil, which means nothing.

2. Double F

Pete is scared to jump off the diving board into the water.

The -ff ending is not as common, but you will often see if after a single vowel in one- or two-syllable words. Here are the most common examples:

handcuffoffstaffstuffcliff

tariffsheriffpuffsnifffluff

There are a few important exceptions that you will often see. They end in a single f and are extremely common: if and of.

3. Double S

Linda has a lot of success in business.

You will find many one- and two-syllable words that end in -ss.

Here are some of the most common examples:

processclasslessmisspresspasssuccesslossacross

accessglassdiscussaddressexpressdressprogressgrasskiss

Some important exceptions to this rule which end in a single s are: us, bus, and gas.

4. Double Z

Leonard plays jazz and blues music.

The least common of these double letter endings is -zz. The most common examples of one-syllable words that end in -zz are:

buzzfizzfuzz

One very common exception that ends in a single z is: quiz.

ReviewSo, let's review what we have learned about these double letter endings for English words:

1. These guidelines apply for one- and two-syllable words in English that end with single vowel and then the double letter.

2. These double letters are: -ll, -ff, -ss, and -zz.

3. The -ll and -ss endings are very common. The -ff ending is a bit less common, and -zz is not a very common word ending.

4. These guidelines have some common exceptions.

This is a PDF Worksheet. Just download and print.

http://www.keepandshare.com/doc/7621097/english-spelling-rules-worksheet-double-letter-endings-ll-ff-ss-zz-pdf-1-8-meg?da=y

Lesson 13: I Before E Except After CThis lesson talks about an important spelling guideline in English. There is a rhyme to help you remember it: "I before E, except after C."

This rhyme is a useful guideline to help you remember when to use the vowel combination ie and when to use ei. However, it is only a guideline and not a strict rule.

In fact, there are some longer versions of the rhyme to help you remember the exceptions.

We will start with some common words that follow the guideline.

1. IE: long E sound

The thief stole lots of money!

In general, when there is an ie combination after a letter other than c, the I will come first.

However, it is important to remember that these letters can be pronounced in different ways. This guideline really applies especially when the ie combination is pronounced with a long E sound.

Here are some common words with an ie combination and a long E pronunciation:

believefierceachievepiecechief

beliefpriestcountriesbriefcollie

All of these words have a letter other than c before the ie combination.

Here are some common words with an ie combination pronounced with a long E sound after the letter c:

ceilingdeceivereceiptperceivereceiveconceited

It is also important to remember that whenever you must add -s or add –ed to words that end in y, you need to change the y to an ie. In these cases, you will often see an ie combination after a letter other than c at the end of a word.

In these cases, these vowels are usually pronounced with a long E sound, according to the rule.

2. IE: other sounds

John, Eric, and Amy are friends.

You will find many words in English that have an ie combination after a letter other than c, though they will not have a long E sound. For these words, you should learn the pronunciation of each individually.

Here are some common examples:

dietiefliesfunnierclient

3. IE exceptions: after C

Do you want to be a scientist when you grow up?

There are some common words that have an ie combination after the letter c in the middle of the word. These are exceptions to the rule, and you should memorize them:

scienceefficientspeciessufficient

4. EI exceptions: long A Sound

Penny likes to talk to her neighbor, Angela.

This guideline does not apply to words in which the ei combination is pronounced with a long A sound. In these words, even if there is not a c before the vowels, the e will come before the i.

Here are some common words in which the ei combination is pronounced with a long A sound:

weighveinbeigeeightveilreign

5. EI exceptions: long E sound

Coffee contains a chemical called caffeine, which gives you energy.

There are a few words in English that contain an ei combination that is pronounced like a long E, after a letter other than c. Of course, this goes against the "I before E except after C" rule that applies to this sound.

In fact, some people say the rhyme as:"I before E, except after C, and except for in weird words

like neighbor and weigh."

The last part refers to the long A sound discussed above (neighbor and weigh), and the word weird is an example of a very common exception to the rule. It has a long E sound, but contains an ei combination after a letter other than c.

Here are some more common exceptions with an ei combination pronounced like a long E after a letter other than c:

seizeweirdproteineitherneither

The last two words, either and neither, are pronounced differently in different countries. In the United States, the ei combination has a long E sound, so they are important exceptions to the rule here.

Review

This is a PDF Worksheet. Just download and print.

So, let's review what we have learned about ei and ie combinations in English words:

1. The "I before E except after C" guideline applies to words in which the ie combination has a long E sound.

2. You will see an ie after the letter c at the end of words and in a few important exceptions.

3. When the ei combination is pronounced like a long A, it will be used after letters other than c.

4. "I before E except after C" is only a guideline, not a strict rule. There are exceptions!

http://www.keepandshare.com/doc/7621091/english-spelling-rules-worksheet-i-before-e-except-after-c-pdf-1-8-meg?da=y

Lesson 14: Comparative and Superlative Adjectives

This lesson will give you helpful guidelines so that you know how to spell comparative and superlative adjectives in English.

As you know, in order to form comparative and superlative adjectives in English, you need to change the adjective.

For shorter adjectives, you need to add -er to the end of the word to make a comparative or add -est to form a superlative.

For longer words, we add "more" before the adjective for the comparative form or "most" for the superlative.

1. Adding -er or -est to form a comparative

Barry is taller than Eric. Eric is shorter than Barry.

The words "tall" and "short" are adjectives. They describe Barry or Eric. Since both of these words are only one syllable, we simply add -er or –est to the end of the word to make comparatives.

One-syllable words that end in a double consonant (or two vowels and a single consonant) simply take the -er or -est at the end. Here are some examples:

Comparative Superlative longer longestdarker darkestbrighter brightestquicker quickestwarmer warmestcolder coldestolder oldest

Comparative Superlative younger youngest

stronger strongest

smarter smartestweaker weakestneater neatestlouder loudest

2. Adding -er or -est to a one-syllable adjective that ends in a single vowel and a single consonant

Harold's clothes could not possibly be wetter!

When the adjective you want to make into a comparative or superlative is only one syllable long and ends in a single vowel and a single consonant, you must double the final consonant, then add -er or -est.

Here are some common examples:

Comparative Superlative bigger biggestfatter fattesthotter hottestsadder saddestmadder maddestthinner thinnest

3. Adding -er or -est to an adjective that ends in Y

That was the funniest thing I have ever heard!

When the adjective ends in a y, you must change the y to an i, then add -eror -est to form the comparative or the superlative.

For example:

Comparative Superlative prettier prettiestangrier angriesthappier happiestbusier busiestlovelier loveliestsillier silliestsleepier sleepiestthirstier thirstiestuglier ugliest

4. Adding -er or -est to a one-syllable adjective that ends in E

Wow, your cat is much larger than mine!

For adjectives that end in e, you must only add -r to make a comparative and -st to make a superlative.

Here are some common examples of these adjectives:

Comparative Superlative closer closestwiser wiseststranger strangesthuger hugestruder rudest

Comparative Superlative looser loosestsafer safestcuter cutestgentler gentlestsimpler simplest

5. Making comparatives or superlatives with adjectives that have two or more syllables

Karen is the most honest person I know!

One-syllable adjectives in English follow the rules above to add -er or -est. Adjectives with three or more syllables add the word "more" before them to become comparatives, and "most" to become superlatives.

Most two-syllable adjectives will take "more" or "most," but if they end in -y, -er, -le, or -ow, they follow the rules above.

Here are some examples:

Comparative Superlative more interesting most interestingmore complete most completemore beautiful most beautifulmore important most importantmore dangerous most dangerous

Comparative Superlative more colorful most colorfulmore exciting most excitingmore complicated most complicatedmore boring most boring

6. Irregular comparatives and superlatives

Otis sleeps better with a pillow.

Finally, there are some very common adjectives that have irregular forms for their comparatives and superlatives.

Here are the most important ones for you to remember:

Adjective Comparative Superlativegood better bestbad worse worstwell better best

far farther /further

farthest /furthest

Review

This is a PDF Worksheet. Just download and print.

So, let's review what we have learned about forming comparatives and superlatives in English:

1. For one-syllable adjective, add -er (comparative) or -est(superlative) to the end of the adjective.

2. If the one-syllable adjective ends in a single vowel and a single consonant, double the final consonant before adding -er or -est.

3. For adjectives that end in -y, change the y to i, then add -er or -est.

4. If the one-syllable consonant ends in -e, simply add -r or -st.

5. For adjectives with two or more syllables, add "more" before the adjective to form a comparative, or "most" to form a superlative (unless the two-syllable adjective ends in -y, -le, -er, or -ow).

6. Remember that there are some common irregular comparative and superlative adjectives.

http://www.keepandshare.com/doc5/11703/english-spelling-rules-worksheet-comparatives-and-superlatives-pdf-1-9-meg?da=y

Lesson 15: Forming AdverbsThis lesson will give you helpful guidelines so that you know how to properly spell adverbs you want to form from adjectives.

As you know, an adjective in English describes a noun. An adverb describes a verb, an adjective, another adverb, or even an entire sentence.

Most adverbs have a special ending: -ly. You can form adverbs from some adjectives, but you must be careful of the spelling.

Here are some rules to help you.

1. Adding -ly to the end of the adjective

Mark is running quickly to catch his bus.

Many adjectives can be transformed into adverbs. In most cases, we do this by simply adding -ly to the end of the adjective.

Here are some examples:

suddenlybrightlyslowlymysteriouslyreallyinterestingly

politelykindlygenerouslycalmlynervouslygenerally

2. Adjectives ending in -y

Fred looked hungrily at his big ice cream cone.

When the adjective you want to make into an adverb ends in -y, you must change the y to an i, then add -ly.

Here are some common examples:

happilyangrilyclumsilylazilyhastilymessilyreadilystealthilycozily

3. Adjectives that end in -le

Marlene is sitting comfortably in her favorite chair.

When the adjective ends in -le, remove the e and replace it with a y.

For example:terriblyincrediblyadorablyacceptablyunderstandablynoticeablyrecognizablypredictablysuitablyremarkably

4. Comparative and superlative adverbs

Dave's car is moving more slowly than Ethan's car.

Finally, when you want to form a comparative or a superlative adverb, you should add "more" before the adverb to make it comparative, and "most" to make it superlative.

For example:

Correct: Paul spoke more politely than Erica.Incorrect: Paul spoke politelier than Erica.

Correct: I saw the most amazingly beautiful film yesterday!Incorrect: I saw the amazingliest beautiful film yesterday!

Remember that the adverb well is irregular. Its comparative form is better, and its superlative form is best.

Correct: Mark did better on the test than I did, but Amanda did the best.Incorrect: Mark did more well on the test than I did, but Amanda did the most well.

Review

This is a PDF Worksheet. Just download and print.

So, let's review what we have learned about forming adverbs in English:

1. Most adjectives that can be transformed into adverbs simply need –ly added to the end.

2. If the adjective ends in -y, you must change the y to i, then add -ly.

3. If the adjective ends in -le, you should remove the e and add -y.

4. To form a comparative adverb, add "more" before it. To make it superlative, add "most." Remember that the adverb "well" is irregular.

http://www.keepandshare.com/doc/7621098/english-spelling-rules-worksheet-forming-adverbs-pdf-1-9-meg?da=y

Lesson 16: -able or -ible

This lesson will provide guidelines on adding the suffixes -able and -ible. They have the same meaning, so it is important to know when you should use each one.

As we have seen in a previous lesson, a suffix is an ending that can be added to a word. The suffixes -able and -ible both create adjectives, and they mean "can be done."

Choosing -able or -ible depends on the word the suffix is being added to. The suffix -able is more common. Here are some rules to help you know which to use.

-able1. When the base word before the suffix is a complete word

Years ago, it was fashionable for ladies to wear gloves at formal events.

In the sentence above, "fashionable" means stylish. The part of the word before the suffix -able is a complete, recognizable word: fashion.

In cases like this, you will use -able and not -ible.

Notice that words that end in -ce and -ge keep their final -e before adding -able. There are also a few important exceptions that keep their final -e, which you should memorize: sizeable, likeable, nameable.

Here are some examples:

noticeablechangeablemanageablelaughabletransferablepreferable

suitableimpressionableadaptablelikeablepeaceableknowledgeable

comfortablewashableaffordablesizeablelikeablenameable

2. When the base word ends in an -e that is eliminated

Lily did not like the movie because it was not very believable.

Often, base words that end in -e need to have that final -e eliminated before adding -able. When this happens, you should use -able and not -ible.

As we saw above, base words that end in -ce and -ge keep their final –e before adding -able.

Here are some common examples:

debatablepleasurableadorabledesirablemeasurableconceivableexcusableexcitabledisposable

3. When the last consonant of the base word must be doubled or the final -y must be changed to an -i

Kelly's surprise party was really unforgettable for her.

When the base word ends ing a single vowel and a single consonant, and the emphasis is on the last syllable of the word, that final consonant must be doubled before adding the suffix -able. For more on this, you can check our lessons on adding -ing or adding -ed.

Also, when the base word ends in a consonant and a -y, that -y must be changed to an i before adding -able.

In these cases, you should use -able and not -ible.

For example:

forgettablejustifiablereliableregrettable

-ible

Dancing is a great way to stay flexible and healthy.

Finally, in general when the base word is not a complete and recognizable word, you should use -ible. However, this is not a strict rule. It is important to be careful using -ible.

You will see that many base words end in -t before the -ible is added. You can look for this pattern. Also, you will never see a final -e before -ible.

Here are some common words with -ible:

terriblehorriblevisibleresponsibleinvincibleaccessiblesensible

incredibleillegibleeligibleconvertiblesuggestibledigestible

Review

This is a PDF Worksheet. Just download and print.

So, let's review what we have learned about the suffixes -able and -ible in English:

1. When the base word is a complete and recognizable word, you will usually use -able.

2. When the base word ends in -e, you should remove then -e, then add -able. Leave the -e when the word ends in -ce or -ge.

3. If you must double the final consonant of the base word or change the final -y to i, add -able.

4. In general, -ible is less common and the base word is not a complete and recognizable word. However, there are some exceptions.

http://www.keepandshare.com/doc5/11704/english-spelling-rules-worksheet-able-or-ible-pdf-1-8-meg?da=y

Lesson 17: -ance or -ence and -ancy or -ency

This lesson will provide guidelines on adding the suffixes -ance or –ence and -ancy or -ency. These suffixes all have the same general meaning, so it is important to know when you should use each one.

As we have seen in a previous lesson, a suffix is an ending that can be added to a word. The two suffix pairs, -ance / -ence and -ancy / -ency both create nouns, and they mean "state or quality of."

Choosing between these suffixes depends on the word the suffix is being added to. It will be very important for you to learn how to spell common words because there are no strict rules. However, here are some good guidelines to help you choose.

-ance

1. When the base word is an adjective that ends in -ant

It looks like Harold does not understand the importance of paying close attention to the road while driving!

You will find many words in English that end in -ance.

There is a large number of these words not included in the guidelines below. You should pay attention to the spelling of new words that you learn and memorize the suffix, checking to see if one of these rules applies.

For example, "importance" is a noun that means the state of being important.

When the base word is an adjective that ends in -ant, you will remove these three letters and add -ance to make a noun for adjectives that can take this suffix.

significanceabundanceacceptancearrogance

assistancebrillianceelegancefragrance

2. When the base word is a verb that ends in -ure or -ear

Pete has excellent endurance. He runs long distances.

When the root word is a verb that ends in -ure, you should remove the finale, then add -ance.

So the verb "endure" becomes the noun "endurance."

When the root word is a verb that ends in -ear, simply add -ance.

For example, the verb "appear" becomes "appearance."

Here are some common examples:

assuranceinsuranceclearancedisappearance

3. When the base word is a verb that ends in -y

The people's defiance against the cruel queen ended her terrible rule.

When the root word is a verb that ends in -y, you should change the y to i, then add -ance.

For example, the verb "defy," which means "resist," becomes the noun "defiance" when the suffix is added.

Here are some more examples:

allianceappliancecompliancereliancevarianceluxuriance

-ence

4. When the base word is a verb that ends in -ere

Three religions, Judaism, Islam, and Christianity, have special reverence for the city of Jerusalem.

When the root word is a verb ending in -ere, remove the final e, then add -ence.

For example, the verb "revere," which means to respect greatly, becomes the noun "reverence."

Here are some common words that end with -ence:

coherenceadherenceinterference

5. When the base word is an adjective that ends in -ent

When you have a baby sleeping at home, silence is very important!

If the base word is an adjective that ends in -ent, remove these three letters and add -ence.

absenceconveniencepresenceinnocenceinsistenceaffluenceevidencerecurrencepatienceconfidence

-ancy

Children learn important skills in their infancy.

There is no fixed rule of when you should use -ance or -ancy. This will depend on the word, so you should be sure to study them carefully.

However, if the root word is a verb that ends in -ate, you will likely use -ancy.

For example, the verb "hesitate" becomes the noun "hesitancy."

Here are some common nouns that end in -ancy:

expectancypregnancyaccountancyconsultancydiscrepancymilitancyoccupancy

-ency

What is the official currency in your country?

As happens with -ancy and -ance, -ency is also a bit less common than -ence. There is no fixed rule about when you should use it, but there are some common words you should learn with this suffix.

Some important examples are:

emergencyfluencysufficiencyagencyurgencydecencytendencyconsistencyproficiencytransparencyleniency

Review

This is a PDF Worksheet. Just download and print.

So, let's review what we have learned about the suffixes -ance, -ence, -ancy, and -ency in English:

1. When the base word is an adjective that ends in -ant, you should remove these three letters and add -ance.

2. When the base word is a verb that ends in -ure or -ear, use -ance. If the verb ends in -ure, remove the e before adding -ance.

3. When the base word is a verb that ends in -y, change the y to an iand add -ance.4. When the base word is a verb that ends in -ere, remove the final eand add -ence.5. When the base word is an adjective that ends in -ent, remove these three letters

and add -ence.6. You should memorize words that end in -ancy. However, if the base word is a verb

that ends in -ate, you should remove the final e and add -ancy.7. You should memorize common words that end in -ency.

http://www.keepandshare.com/doc5/11708/english-spelling-rules-worksheet-ance-or-ence-and-ancy-or-ency-pdf-1-7-meg?da=y

Lesson 18: -ious or -eousThis lesson will give you examples of two common adjective suffixes in English: -ious and -eous so that you can learn when to use each.

You have learned that an adjective in English describes a noun. You can often recognize adjectives easily because of their suffixes.

Two suffixes that always form adjectives are -ious and -eous. Unfortunately there are no firm rules to tell you when to use each, but reviewing the lists below will help you learn when to use each.

1. -ious with a short U sound

Poor Gerald is feeling very anxious about the presentation.

The first thing to remember is that the adjective suffix -ious is much more common than the ending -eous. And of course, all the words ending in these two suffixes are adjectives.

There are two ways to pronounce the -ious ending. Sometimes the I is silent, so that the entire -ious ending is pronounced like "us" with a short U sound.

Here are some of the most common examples with this pronunciation:

ambitioussuspiciousdeliciousreligioussuperstitiousconsciousferocious

preciouscautiousviciousspaciousprestigiousgraciousfictitious

2. -ious with a long E sound and a short U sound

Margaret told me a hilarious joke!

In the second way to pronounce the -ious ending, the I is not silent. It has a long E sound, followed by the short U sound, as above. So, the pronunciation of the whole -ious ending is "ee-us."

Here are some common examples of adjectives with this pronunciation:

previouscuriousrebelliousseriousenviousnotoriousgloriousobviousvictorious

tediousstudiousvariousfuriousmysteriousharmoniousluxuriousoblivious

3. -eous with a short U sound

Nora's sunflowers are gorgeous!

The adjective suffix -eous is much less common than -ious. However, it can also be pronounced in the same two ways we just saw above.

Here are the most common adjectives in which the -eous ending is pronounced like "us":

outrageoushomogeneousadvantageouscourageousrighteousnauseousgaseous

4. -eous with a long E sound and a short U sound

Karen was very courteous when she welcomed Ben to the office.

Just like the -ious suffix, -eous can also be pronounced with a long E sound, than a short U sound: "ee-us."

Here are the most common adjectives with this pronunciation for the –eous suffix:

spontaneoussimultaneoushideousmiscellaneousinstantaneouserroneous

Review

This is a PDF Worksheet. Just download and print.

So, let's review what we have learned about the adjective suffixes -iousand -eous in English:

1. The suffix -ious is much more common than -eous.

2. There are no strict rules to tell you when to use each.

3. Both these suffixes form adjectives.

4. Both suffixes can be pronounced as "us" or as "ee-us." It is best to learn these adjectives in groups by spelling and pronunciation.

http://www.keepandshare.com/doc/7621092/english-spelling-rules-worksheet-ious-or-eous-pdf-1-8-meg?da=y

Lesson 19: -sion, -tion, or -cion

This lesson will give you helpful guidelines to know when to use the noun suffixes -tion, -sion, and -cion.

All three of these suffixes create nouns. You will see them quite often.

The most common suffixes by far are -tion and -sion. The suffix -cion is used very infrequently.

1. -sion with a ZH sound

Harry hates to miss his favorite television program.

It is important to know that the first letter of the suffix -sion can have different pronunciations. The vowels will always have a short U sound. In some words, the s can be pronounced with a ZH sound. For example, this happens when the -sion ending comes after a vowel.

If you hear the "ZHun" sound at the end of a word, it will have a –sion ending.

Here are some of the most common examples with this pronunciation:

collisiondivisionexplosiondecisionseclusionrevisionconfusionconclusion

occasionvisioninvasionexclusionprecisionfusionpersuasionintrusion

2. -sion after the letters L, N, or R

The class will go on an excursion to a sports camp.

If the final letter of the word before the noun suffix is l, n, or r, the ending will usually be -sion.

After an r ending, -sion will have the ZH sound seen above. After an l or an n, it will have a SH sound, "SHun."

For example:

compulsionexpulsionpropulsionextensiontensionapprehension

expansionpensionmansioncomprehensiondimension

suspensiondiversionimmersionversionconversion

3. -sion for root words ending in -mit or -ss

The teacher gave the students permission to take a break.

Finally, when the root word we add the noun suffix to ends in -ss or -mit, we will use -sion. For these words, you will see that the root takes a final s so that the ending is -ssion.

For example, the verb "permit" becomes the noun "permission." The verb "express" becomes the noun "expression."

Here are some examples:

commissiondiscussionsessionrecessionprofessionmission

admissionpassiondepressionsuccessiontransmissionsubmission

emissionaggressionconcessioncompassionpercussion

4. -tion after letters other than L, N, or R

Pauline had a question about the new system.

The -tion ending will always have a SH sound followed by a short U sound: "SHun." It is used after letters other than l, n, or r. This is a very common ending for English nouns.

Here are some common nouns with a -tion ending:

informationeducationpositionactionsectionsituationconditionproductionpopulation

applicationoperationelectionassociationstationfunctionorganizationdirection

competitioninstitutionsolutioncommunicationprotectionoptioncontributionreaction

5. -tion exceptions after N or R

The telephone was a very important invention of the 19th century.

However, there are a few words in English that have a -tion ending after ann or an r. You should learn these exceptions.

For example:

mentionattentionintentionconventionpreventiondetention

proportionassertiondistortionexertionextortion

6. -cion

The detective had a suspicion about the tall woman.

There are only a few words in English that end in -cion, so you can memorize them.

They are:

suspicioncoercionscion

Review

This is a PDF Worksheet. Just download and print.

So, let's review what we have learned about the noun suffixes -sion, -tion, and -cion in English:

1. The suffixes -tion and -sion are quite common. There are only a few words in English with the -cion suffix.

2. If the suffix is pronounced "ZHun," it will be spelled -sion. However, this ending can also be pronounced "SHun." If the last letter before the noun suffix is l, n, or r, the word will take -sion. There are a few exceptions when these words will take -tion.

3. The -sion suffix is also used for root words ending in -mit or -ss. In these cases, there will be a final s before the suffix, meaning that the word will end in -ssion.

4. After letters other than l, n, or r, the -tion suffix is used. It is always pronounced "SHun."

http://www.keepandshare.com/doc/7621094/english-spelling-rules-worksheet-sion-tion-or-cion-pdf-1-7-meg?da=y

Specific spelling rules for verb tenses

When dealing with tenses, we often need to change the spelling of the verb.

So here you have the commonly used English spelling rules for verbs:

Vowel = a sound we make when the breath flows out through the mouth freely, without being blocked. The English letters a, e, i, o, u are called vowels, because they represent such sounds.

Consonant = a sound we make that is not a vowel. The breath is somehow blocked on its way out of the mouth. For example, the sound b is made when breath flow is stopped with the lips. All the English letters which are not vowels are called consonants. These are: b, c, d, f, g, h, j, k, l, m, n,p, q, r, s, t, v, w, x, y, z.

Spelling Rules for Adding "ing"Introduction

Some verbs change their spelling when "ing" is added to them.

Verbs ending with "consonant-vowel-consonant"

When a verb ends with a consonant - vowel - consonant and we put STRESS on this sound in speech, we double the last consonant. Then we add ing.

In the following examples the consonant is in blue, the vowel is in green, and ing is in red. The STRESS is underlined.

run => runn + ing => runningstop => stopp + ing => stoppingplan => plann + ing => planning

begin => beginn + ing => beginning

But if we don't put STRESS on this sound in speech, then we simply add ing.

open => open + ing => openingvisit => visit + ing => visiting

listen => listen + ing => listeninghappen => happen + ing => happening

Verbs ending with "e"

When a verb ends with the letter e, we first remove it, and then add ing.

In the following examples the letter e is in purple and ing is in red.

take => tak + ing => takingmake => mak + ing => makingdance => danc + ing => dancingwrite => writ + ing => writing

In the following examples the letters ie are in brown, the letter y is in brown too, and ing is in red.

Verbs ending with "ie"

When a verb ends with the letters ie, we change them into y and add ing.

lie => ly + ing => lyingdie => dy + ing => dying

So these were the spelling rules for adding "ing".

Spelling Rules for Adding "s"

Some verbs change their spelling when the letter "s" is added to them.

Verbs ending with "s", "ch", "sh", "x" or "z"

When a verb ends with s, ch, sh, x or z, we add the letter e, and then we add the letter s.

In the following examples the part before the letter s is in purple and the letters es are in red.

miss => miss + es => misseskiss => kiss + es => kisses

watch => watch + es => watchesteach => teach + es => teacheswash => wash + es => washespush => push + es => pushesmix => mix + es => mixesfix => fix + es => fixes

buzz => buzz + es => buzzes

In the following examples the letter o is in purple and the letters es are in red.

Verbs ending with "o"

When a verb ends with o, we add the letter e, and then we add the letter s.

go => go + es => goesdo => do + es => does

In the following examples the consonant is in blue, the part before the letter s is in green, and the letter s is in red.

Verbs ending with "y"When a verb ends with y and there is a consonant before it, the y changes into ie. Then the letter s is added.

fly => flie + s => fliestry => trie + s => triescry => crie + s => cries

study => studie + s => studies

In the following examples the vowel is in orange, the part before the letter s is in green, and the letter s is in red.

When a verb ends with y, and there is a vowel before it, we simply add the letter s to the verb.

buy => buy + s => buyssay => say + s => sayspay => pay + s => paysplay => play + s => plays

enjoy => enjoy + s => enjoys

So these were the spelling rules for adding "s" in the Simple Present.

Spelling Rules for Adding "ed"

Some verbs change their spelling when "ed" is added to them.

Verbs ending with "consonant-vowel-consonant"

When a verb ends with a consonant-vowel-consonant and we put STRESS on this sound in speech, we double the last consonant. Then we add ed.

In the following examples the consonant is in blue, the vowel is in green, and ed is in red. The STRESS is underlined.

stop => stopp + ed => stoppedplan => plann + ed => planned

But if we don't put STRESS on this sound in speech, then we simply add ed.

open => open + ed => openedvisit => visit + ed => visited

listen => listen + ed => listenedhappen => happen + ed => happened

Verbs ending with "e"

In the following examples the letter e is in purple, and the letter d is in red.

When a verb ends with the letter e, we add only the letter d.

dance => dance + d => dancedsmile => smile + d => smiled

Verbs ending with "y"

In the following examples the consonant is in blue, the part before ed is in green, and ed is in red.

When a verb ends with the letter y and there is a consonant before it, the y changes into i. Then we add ed.

try => tri + ed => triedcry => cri + ed => cried

study => studi + ed => studied

In the following examples the vowel is in orange, the part before ed is in green, and ed is in red.

When a verb ends with y and there is a vowel before it, we simply add ed to the verb.

stay => stay + ed => stayedplay => play + ed => played

enjoy => enjoy + ed => enjoyed

So these were the spelling rules for adding "ed".

Now, let's go over to some more general spelling rules:

The normal rule to make regular plurals in English, or to change a regular verb to the he/she/it form (also known as the third person singular), is to add S to the end of the word.

Spelling rule #1: S or ES?

One dog --> Lots of dogsI work --> She worksA car --> Some carsYou like tea --> She likes coffee

For example:

But sometimes we need to add ES instead. When the word ends in: CH, SH, X, SS (and ZZ, but this isn't common), then we have to add ES.

I watch TV every night. --> He watches TV at the weekend.I have one wish. --> The genie gave him three wishes.Can you fix this? --> A mechanic fixes cars.Give me a kiss! --> She gave her daughter lots of kisses.

For example:

Spelling rule #1B: the problem with Y

Sometimes it is removed from the end of the word before the word is changed into a plural or third person singular form, and sometimes it isn't.

Students are often confused by the letter Y.

So what's the rule?

There are two types of letters in English. Vowels (A, E, I, O, U) and consonants (all the other letters).

If a word ends in Y, and before the Y there is a consonant (for example, fly, try, spy) then the Y is removed, and IES is added.

I want to fly a kite. --> A pilot flies a plane.He was a spy. --> The spies were caught.Try this exercise. --> Sarah tries very hard in her lessons.

For example:

If the word ends with a vowel then Y (for example, play, tray, toy) then simply an S is added.

I used to play with dolls. --> She plays with other children.He has a new toy. --> The dog has lots of toys.

For example:

Spelling rule #2: doubling consonantsSome words which end in consonants double the last letter when suffixes (extra letters) are added to the end of the word.

hot --> hotterswim --> swimming

For example:

However, this doesn't always happen.So what's the rule?

If a word ends in a consonant that has one vowel before it, then the last consonant is doubled.

travel --> traveller (British English spelling)big --> biggest

For example:

This does not usually happen with words with more than one syllable ending in ER or OR. (Of course, there are exceptions!)

fur / furry / furred plot / plotted / plotter

For example:

But:

miser / misery / miserlytarget / targetedbigot / bigotedtravel / traveler (American English spelling)

Be careful!

If a word has two vowels before the last consonant, or there are two consonants at the end, the last letter isn't doubled.

old --> oldestshoot --> shooter

For example:

Spelling rule #3: the disappearing E

If a verb ends in E, then the E is removed before adding ING to the end of the word.

For example:

make --> makingcome --> coming

Students often make mistakes with spelling in English. There are other English spelling rules, but these are the most basic ones.

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Now that you have been through these pages try the following exercises.

Just click on each and download and print.

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http://www.keepandshare.com/doc5/11777/en17suff-e3-quiz-doc-88k?da=y

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