3.2 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 must 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 can never replace human knowledge of spelling rules, homonyms, and commonly misspelled words.
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 exceptions like you would memorize a rhyme or lyrics to a song.
Write i before e except after c, or when pronounced ay like “neighbour” 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
“Spelling and Homonyms” from Advanced English Copyright © 2021 by Allison Kilgannon is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.—Modifications: Used section Spelling; removed Exercise, Eight Tips, and final Tip.
