other ways to spell sh (e.g., -sion, -tion, -cian); and
silent letters (e.g., knee, wring);
4th Grade Writing - Spelling Patterns Lesson
Some words have their middle consonants doubled.
Final Stable Syllable
When a word ending with a final stable syllable (consonant + -le) makes a short vowel sound, the consonant is usually doubled.
battle little tattle saddle puddle settle
Consonant + Y
When a word ending in a consonant + y makes a short vowel sound, the consonant is usually doubled.
funny happy bunny daddy mommy
"Rabbit" Guideline
When a two-syllable word makes a short vowel sound, and there is only oneconsonant sound between the syllables, the consonant is usually doubled.
kitten letter muffin tennis supper
Another way to check if a consonant needs to be doubled is to divide the words into syllables. Sounding out the words by syllables can help you hear the places where consonants should be doubled more clearly.
Example:
tomorrow to · mor · row
borrow bor · row
The usual way to spell the [sh] sound is "sh." This can be seen in words such as bashful, shine, or finish. Below are some other ways the [sh] sound is spelled in different words.
The Letter T as [sh]
When the letter "t" is combined with -ion, -ial, or -ient, the word is pronounced with a [sh] sound.
motion option
partial initial
patient quotient
The Letter C as [sh]
When the letter "c" is combined with -ial, -ious, or -ian, the word is pronounced with a [sh] sound.
special commercial
delicious spacious
magician physician
The Letter S as [sh]
When the letter "s" is combined with -ion, the word is pronounced with a [sh] sound.
tension mission passion admission mansion pension
Some words are spelled with silent letters. These letters are not pronounced in their words, so their spellings need to be memorized.