How can I improve my spelling?

English spelling can seem complex and random, but it is based on patterns. Learning and memorising patterns can help you to spell words you already know better, and can help you correctly predict the spelling of new words that you will learn in the future. Then, you need to practise correct spelling in order to memorise it.

Learn Spelling Patterns

Many words have similar spellings and these spellings are often related to the type of word, e.g. whether it is a verb, noun, or adjective.

For example, many nouns end with -tion or -sion, e.g. condition, invention, explosion, television

And, many adjectives end with -al, especially after the letter c, e.g. identical, medical, practical

Other words share spelling patterns even though they are not the same word form, e.g. though, through, thorough, although, borough, rough

Learning these patterns and memorising words in groups that share the same spelling can lead to big improvements in your overall spelling abilities.

Learn Sound-Spelling Relationships

Spelling is also related to sound, i.e. how words are pronounced.

Some combinations of vowel letters are pronounced certain ways, e.g. ee is usually pronounced with a long /i:/ sound as in: bee, see, free.

But, this sound can also be realised with the letters ea in words like breath, lead, tea.

So, again, learning these patterns and memorising words in groups that share a sound-spelling relationship can lead to improvements in your spelling abilities.

What steps can I take?

A good first step is to keep a list of words you often misspell. Each time you make a mistake in writing or notice a word you’re unsure about, add it to your list. 

Then, look up the correct spelling and write it down several times. This helps your memory remember the correct form. 

Don’t forget to investigate the spelling pattern and/or sound-spelling relationships for that word. These can help you find other similarly spelled words which you can learn, memorise, and practise together.

Then, you need to test yourself or get someone else to test you. For example, write definitions of the words on cards with the correct spelling on the other side. Test yourself to remember the word and the spelling from the definition and when you repeatedly spell a word correctly put the card to one side. Continue until you can spell them all without problems.

You can also use more social ways to remember spelling. For example, Find a study partner and have mini spelling bee competitions. Take turns testing each other on difficult words, and make it more motivating by giving rewards for correct answers. This friendly competition can help you remember words better and make practice fun.

Finally, another important tip is to read regularly, paying attention to how words are spelled. Reading helps you naturally and passively absorb correct spelling patterns, which will help your spelling improve without having to try too hard.