Some words are misspelt so often they are called spelling demons: necessary, accommodate, embarrass, independent, separate and definitely.
Use memory tricks. Necessary has one collar and two sleeves: one c, two s's. Accommodate has room for two c's and two m's. There is a rat in separate.
Silent letters also cause trouble: the n in autumn and column, the c in muscle, the l in salmon. Saying the word as it is spelt (au-tum-n) can help you remember.
Worked example
Which is correct: neccessary, necessary or necesary?
- Remember: one collar (c), two sleeves (ss).
- That gives n-e-c-e-s-s-a-r-y.
Answer:necessary
Key words
- spelling demon
- a word that is very often misspelt
- mnemonic
- a memory trick
- silent letter
- a letter that is written but not said
Practise this
New questions every time.
Common Core-referenced: L.6.2b