Spelling rules are guidelines that illustrate how to write a word.
The rules apply to most words, but watch out for exceptions.
The most common general spelling rules are:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
![The word “laugh” is spelled l-a-u-g-h, but is pronounced [laf].](/sites/default/files/inline-images/ia2800-8-pronunciation-differ-spelling.png)
Only one rule applies to every English word: Each syllable contains at least 1 vowel.
A syllable is a group of letters.
Together this group of letters is pronounced as one sound.
Each syllable must always contain at least one vowel.
For example:
The word fantastic has 3 syllables.
|
Syllables |
1 |
2 |
3 |
|
fan |
tas |
tic |
The word monkey has 2 syllables.
|
Syllables |
1 |
2 |
|
mon |
key |
A vowel is a letter representing a sound.
The vowels are the letters:
|
a |
e |
i |
|
o |
u |
y* |
*y is sometimes also used as a consonant.
For instance:
|
The word |
Contains the vowels |
||
|
fantastic |
a |
a |
i |
|
monkey |
o |
e |
y |
A consonant is a letter representing a sound.
The consonants are the letters:
|
b |
c |
d |
f |
g |
h |
j |
|
k |
l |
m |
n |
p |
q |
r |
|
s |
t |
v |
w |
x |
y* |
z |
*y is sometimes also used as a vowel.
For instance:
|
The word |
Contains the consonants |
|||||
|
fantastic |
f |
n |
t |
s |
t |
c |
|
monkey |
m |
n |
k |
|||