Common spelling errors and strategies
There are many ways to help you remember how to spell words. If you repeatedly misspell a word, then spend some time learning and practising it so you can easily recall the correct spelling in future. Accurate spelling helps to ensure that your intended meaning is carried through your writing.
Try out the following methods to master your spelling.
Mnemonics
A mnemonicA tool to help the memory, often by using a memorable pattern of sounds, letters or words. is a tool that helps your memory to retrieve information you have stored in it. In spelling you might use a pattern, rhyme or saying to help you recall the way a word is put together.
For example, a mnemonic for remembering ânecessaryâ could be:
âItâs necessary that a shirt has one collar and two s±ô±đ±đ±č±đČő.â
Finding words within words is another way to create a mnemonic.
For example, âEmma faced a dilemmaâ might help you remember that there are two mâs in âdilemmaâ.
Another mnemonic involves creating an acrosticWhen letters in a series of words combine to form another word. Often uses the initial letters of words, eg 'Because' - 'Big Elephants Can Always Understand Small Elephants'. . These work best when you have invented them yourself.
For example:
âBig Elephants Can Always Understand Small Elephantsâ the initial letters form the word BECAUSE.
âRhythm Helps Your Two Hips Moveâ is a useful way to remember RHYTHM.
Hear with your ear
Another way of remembering a tricky spelling is to sound the word out. By doing this, you break down the way the word is structured and this makes it easier to remember.
For example, you might break down the word âfriendâ to 'fri-end' to remind you that the 'i' comes before the 'e'.