E.1.1 - Use Conventions of Standard English Spelling

Spelling Rule: 'i' before 'e'

Spell 'i' before 'e', except after 'c' or when it sounds like 'a' (as in 'neighbor' and 'weigh')

Exceptions to 'i before e'

Examples: receive, ceiling, beige, codeine, protein

Spelling Rule: Drop the final 'e'

Drop the 'e' when adding a suffix that begins with a vowel. Keep the 'e' if the suffix starts with a consonant.

Drop the 'e' example

advise + ing = advising

Keep the 'e' example

rude + ness = rudeness

Spelling Rule: Double the final consonant

Double the last letter if it follows a single vowel and the stress is on the last syllable. Don't double w, x, or y.

Double consonant example

prefer + ing = preferring

Spelling Rule: Change 'y' to 'i'

If the word ends in 'y' after a consonant, change 'y' to 'i' before adding the suffix (unless the suffix starts with 'i').

Don't change 'y' example

cry + ing = crying

Change 'y' to 'i' example

worry + ed = worried

Plural Rule: Regular words

Add '-s' for most words: dog → dogs, apple → apples

Plural Rule: Words ending in -ch, -s, -sh, -x, -z

Add '-es': lunch → lunches, boss → bosses

Plural Rule: Words ending in -f or -fe

Change to '-ves': elf → elves, life → lives. Exceptions: chief → chiefs

What are homophones?

Words that sound the same but are spelled differently. Ex: their/there/they're

What are homographs?

Words that are spelled the same but have different meanings or sounds. Ex: lead (metal) vs. lead (to guide)

Its vs. It's

'Its' = possessive. 'It's' = it is.

Their vs. They're vs. There

'Their' = possessive. 'They're' = they are. 'There' = a place.

Oral vs. Aural

'Oral' = mouth, 'Aural' = ear

Spelling Rule Tip

Focus on common rules and a few key exceptions for the TEAS exam.

Why spelling matters

Spelling affects clarity in writing. Example: 'aural' vs. 'oral' can change meaning entirely.