Spelling and Pronunciation

Spelling Rules

Here are the first spelling rules you should know.

Every word has at least one vowel.

Every syllable has one vowel sound.

C can be prounced as /k/ or /s/.
C is pronounced as /s/ before an e, i, or y (cent, city, cycle).
It is pronounced as /k/ before everything else (cat, clip).

G is pronounced as /g/ or /j/.
G may be pronounced as /j/ before an e, i, or y (gem, giant, gym).
It is pronounced as /g/ before everything else (garden, glad).

Q is always followed by a u (queen).

Double the consonants f, l, and s at the end of a one-syllable word that has just one vowel (stiff, spell, pass).

To spell the sound of /k/ at the end of a word, we use ck or k. Use ck after a short vowel (sick). After everything else, use a k (milk).

Capitalize names.


After you've mastered the above rules and applied them consistently, go on to this next set of rules.

A, e, o, and u usually say their name at the end of a syllable (a-pron, me, go, u-nit).

Words do not end in v or j. We add a silent-e at the end of the word (have).

Contractions replace letter(s) with an apostrophe to shorten a phrase (I've represents I have).

I and o may be pronounced as /i/ and /o/ before two consonants (kind, sold).

/J/ is spelled dge after a short vowel (edge).

Capitalize the names of places (Florida).