Many people can write. Many people can write well. There are also some great writers, but even though they are great writers, their spelling can sometimes be horrible. They rely heavily on their computers’ spell checkers, but even spell checkers can’t identify every misspelled or misused word, especially if the word is a homonym (words that sound the same but are spelled differently).
Misspelled words send negative messages about the writer and cast doubt on the writer’s ability and credibility. If you’re one of those good writers, or even a great writer, and you’re having trouble spelling words correctly even after using your spell checker, don’t worry. Here are some easy tips to help you spell a word when your spell checker comes up short.
To get started, create your own personal spelling list. This could be a list of words that you have trouble spelling. Then add other commonly misspelled words to your list and keep them as a reference list when you start your writing projects.
Use a dictionary when you are unsure of the spelling of a word or if your spell checker does not identify the word as a misspelled word. Spell checkers can’t find all misspelled words or tell you if you’ve misused a word like with homonyms (ie, there, their, they are).
There are five basic spelling tips that can help you spell correctly.
Words that end in -e:
Drop the final e when the suffix begins with a vowel.
(believing + -ing = believing)
Keep the final e when the suffix begins with a consonant.
(mourning + -mento = mourning)
Words that use ie or ei:
Use, that is, generally
(believe)
Except after c, use ei
(upset)
Use ei in words with the sound ay
(weight)
Use ie in words with the sound shen
(awareness)
Words that end in -y:
If the letter before the final y is a consonant, change the y to i and add the suffix.
(fun + -er = more fun)
If the letter before the final y is a consonant and the suffix begins with i, keep the final y and add the suffix.
(fry + -ing = fry)
If the letter before the final y is a vowel, keep the final y and add the suffix.
(implement + -ed = implement)
Words that double the final consonant:
When adding suffixes to one-syllable words, if the last two letters are a vowel followed by a consonant, double the final consonant.
(fat + -er = fatter)
When adding suffixes to words with more than one syllable, follow these two rules:
If the stress is on the last syllable and the suffix begins with a vowel, double the final consonant.
(start + -ing = start)
If the stress is not on the last syllable and the suffix begins with a vowel, do not double the final consonant.
(offer + -ed = offered)
If the stress is on the last syllable and the suffix begins with a consonant, do not double the final consonant
(forget + -ful = forgetful)
Add -s or -es to form plurals:
Add -s to most words, including words ending in -ch (which sound like k), -f, -ff, -ffe, and -o (when preceded by a vowel). Exceptions: Words ending in -fe change to -ves.
(notes, stomachs, beliefs, canes, giraffes, radios, knives)
Add -es to words ending in -s, -ss, -sh, -x, -z, -ch and -o (when preceded by a consonant).
(nozzles, glasses, plates, boxes, contests, beaches and potatoes)
Using these five basic spelling tips can help you improve your writing. Spelling errors in excellent writing create serious doubts in the reader’s mind about the writer’s abilities and credibility. Improving your spelling skills can only make your writing sound and send positive messages to your audience that you are credible and capable of writing skillfully.