Reading written works that have good spelling, such as books, newspapers, and even online articles, will help you recognize and learn the correct spellings of words.
Learning a few general spelling patterns and rules can be helpful when spelling new words.
DOUBLING CONSONANTS — when a one-syllable word ends in a consonant preceded by a vowel, then the final consonant should be doubled when adding an ending.
For multi-syllabic words that end in a consonant preceded by a vowel and have their last syllable accented, the final consonant should be doubled when adding an ending.
CHANGING Y TO I — when a word ends in a consonant + y, change the y to an i before adding an ending other than "-ing"
DROPPING THE SILENT E (OR NOT) — there are a few different rules about when a silent e should be dropped when adding an ending.
When an ending begins with a vowel, drop the e.
When an ending begins with a consonant, keep the e.
When adding "-able" to words that make a soft c or a soft g sound, keep the e.
There are also many exceptions to these rules! For words that don't fit with any specific pattern or rule, it is important to memorize their spellings.
If you're not sure of a spelling, be sure to check a dictionary (online or print) and to use the spell check function on your word processor.
7th Grade Writing - Spelling Lesson