What are common exception words?
Some words don’t follow the usual spelling rules, so sounding them out won’t help. You just have to learn them. Memory tricks make it much easier!
| Word | Memory trick |
|---|---|
| necessary | one collar, two sleeves: 1 c, 2 s |
| separate | there’s a rat in separate |
| definitely | it has finite inside: definitely |
| rhythm | Rhythm Helps Your Two Hips Move |
| because | Big Elephants Can Always Understand Small Elephants |
| embarrass | you go Really Red and feel So Silly: 2 r, 2 s |
| accommodate | big enough for 2 cots and 2 mattresses: 2 c, 2 m |
| neighbour | ne-igh-bour, and don’t forget the British -our |
| friend | a friend to the end |
| Wednesday | say it the funny way: Wed-nes-day |
How to learn a tricky word
- Look at the word and say it.
- Cover it up.
- Write it from memory.
- Check it. Try again if it’s wrong.
Watch out! Spell-checkers won’t always save you, so learn the ones you get wrong most often.
Top tip: make up your own silly sentence for a word you keep getting wrong. The sillier, the better you’ll remember it!
👆 Spot the right spelling
Tap every word that is spelt correctly.
🔎 Tricky words1 of 5