Following spelling rules

Page contents:

  • I before E

  • Prefixes

  • Suffixes

  • Plurals

Some general spelling rules can be of enormous help to writers.

I before E

Here is a slightly expanded version of the “i before e” rule:

i before e except after c or when pronounced “ay” as in neighbor and weigh, or in weird exceptions like either and species

I BEFORE E achieve, brief, field, friend
EXCEPT AFTER C ceiling, conceivable, deceit, receive
OR WHEN PRONOUNCED “AY” eighth, neighbor, reign, weigh
OR IN WEIRD EXCEPTIONS ancient, foreign, height, leisure, neither, seize

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Prefixes

A prefix, added to the beginning of a word, does not change the spelling of the word it is added to, even when the last letter of the prefix and the first letter of the word are the same (service, disservice; rate, overrate). Some prefixes require the use of hyphens.

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Suffixes

A suffix, added to the end of a word, may change the spelling of the word it is added to. Pay attention to spell checker recommendations, and consult a dictionary if you are uncertain of the right spelling when you add a suffix.

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Plurals

For most words, simply add -s to form a plural. For singular nouns ending in s, ch, sh, x, or z, add -es (church, churches; fox, foxes).

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For Multilingual Writers: American spellings

Considering Disabilities: Spelling