Words we often misspell

Several words made the list because of the suffix pronounced -êbl but sometimes spelled -ible, sometimes -able. Just remember to accept any table offered to you and you will spell this word OK.

It is no accident that the test for adverbs on -ly is whether they come from an adjective on -al ("accidental" in this case). If so, the -al has to be in the spelling. No publical, then publicly.

- Remember, this word is large enough to accommodate both a double "c" AND a double "m."

 Try to acquire the knowledge that this word and the next began with the prefix ad- but the [d] converts to [c] before [q]

- Two words! Hopefully, you won't have to allot a lot of time to this problem.

 Amateurs need not be mature: this word ends on the French suffix -eur (the equivalent of English -er).

A parent need not be apparent but "apparent" must pay the rent, so remember this word always has the rent.

- Let's not argue about the loss of this verb's silent [e] before the suffix -ment.

 Lord help you remember that this word comprises the prefix a- "not" + the "god" (also in the-ology) + -ist "one who believes

You must believe that [i] usually comes before [e] except after [c] or when it is pronounced like "a" as "neighbor" and "weigh" or "e" as in "their" and "heir." Also take a look at "foreign" below. (The "i-before-e" rule has more exceptions than words it applies to.)

 Often misspelled "bellweather." A wether is a gelded ram, chosen to lead the herd (thus his bell) due to the greater likelihood that he will remain at all times ahead of the ewes.

- This word has an [e] between two [a]s. The last vowel is [a].

 This word is not in a category with "catastrophe" even if it sounds like it: the middle letter is [e].

 - Don't let this one bury you: it ends on -ery nary an -ary in it. You already know it starts on [c], of course.

- The verb "change" keeps its [e] here to indicate that the [g] is soft, not hard. (That is also why "judgement" is the correct spelling of this word, no matter what anyone says.)

 Another -ible word. You just have to remember.

 Silent final [e] is commonplace in English but a silent final [n] is not uncommon, especially after [m].

- If you are committed to correct spelling, you will remember that this word doubles its final [t] from "commit" to "committed.

 Don't let misspelling this word weigh on your conscience: [ch] spelled "sc" is unusual but legitimate.

 Work on your spelling conscientiously and remember this word with [ch] spelled two different ways: "sc" and "ti." English spelling!

- Try to be conscious of the "sc" [ch] sound and all the vowels in this word's ending and i-o-u a note of congratulations

- The census does not require a consensus, since they are not related.

 Don't make yourself another daiquiri until you learn how to spell this funny word-the name of a Cuban village.

This word definitely sounds as though it ends only on -it, but it carries a silent "e" everywhere it goes.

- A little discipline, spelled with the [s] and the [c] will get you to the correct spelling of this one.

 You would be surprised how many sober people omit one of the [n]s in this one.

 Even smart people forget one of the [b]s in this one. (So be careful who you call one when you write.)

 This one won't embarrass you if you remember it is large enough for a double [r] AND a double [s]

 This word is misspelled "equiptment" 22,932 times on the web right now.

 Remembering that [h] when you spell this word will lift your spirits and if you remember both [a]s, it will be exhilarating!

 Remember that this one is -ceed, not -cede. (To exceed all expectations, master the spellings of this word, "precede" and "supersede" below.)

- No word like this one spelled with an [a] is in existence. This word is a menage a quatre of one [i] with three [e]s.

- Don't experience the same problem many have with "existence" above in this word: -ence!

- The silent "e" on  fire" is also cowardly: it retreats inside the word rather than face the suffix -y.

 Here is one of several words that violate the i-before-e rule. (See "believe" above.)

- I guarantee you that this word is not spelled like "warranty" even though they are synonyms.

The i-before-e rule works here, so what is the problem?

English reaches the height (not heighth!) of absurdity when it spells "height" and "width" so differently.

 - Humor us and spell this word "humorous": the [r] is so weak, it needs an [o] on both sides to hold it up.

 Don't show your ignorance by spelling this word -ence!

- The immediate thing to remember is that this word has a prefix, in- "not" which becomes [m] before [m] (or [b] or [p]). "Not mediate" means direct which is why "immediately" means "directly.

 Please be independent but not in your spelling of this word. It ends on -ent.

 Knowing that this word ends on -able is indispensable to good writing.

This one sounds like a shot in the eye. One [n] the eye is enough.

 Using two [l]s in this word and ending it on -ence rather than -ance are marks of . . . you guessed it.

Traditionally, the word has been spelled judgment in all forms of the English language. However, the spelling judgement (with e added) largely replaced judgment in the United Kingdom in a non-legal context. In the context of the law, however, judgment is preferred. This spelling change contrasts with other similar spelling changes made in American English, which were rejected in the UK. In the US at least, judgment is still preferred and judgement is considered incorrect by many American style guides

Yet another violator of the i-before-e rule. You can be sure of the spelling of the last syllable but not of the pronunciation.

 Another French word throwing us an orthographical curve: a spare [i], just in case. That's an [s], too, that sounds like a [z].

It may be as enjoyable as a berry patch but that isn't the way it is spelled. That first [r] should be pronounced, too.

Where does English get the license to use both its letters for the sound [s] in one word?

 Learning how to omit the [e] in this word should lighten the load of English orthography a little bit.

 The main tenants of this word are "main" and "tenance" even though it comes from the verb "maintain." English orthography at its most spiteful.

 Man, the price you pay for borrowing from French is high. This one goes back to French main + oeuvre "hand-work," a spelling better retained in the British spelling, "manoeuvre."

Here is another big word, large enough to hold two double consonants, double [l] and double [n].

Since that [a] is seldom pronounced, it is seldom included in the spelling. This one is a "mini ature;" remember that.

 This mischievous word holds two traps: [i] before [e] and [o] before [u]. Four of the five vowels in English reside here.

I before E except after C and when it sounds like A

 The [e] is noticeably retained in this word to indicate the [c] is "soft," pronounced like [s]. Without the [e], it would be pronounced "hard," like [k], as in "applicable."

 Writers occasionally tire of doubling so many consonants and omit one, usually one of the [l]s. Don't you ever do it.

 Remember not only the occurrence of double double consonants in this word, but that the suffix is -ence, not -ance. No reason, just the English language keeping us on our toes.

Since a pastime is something you do to pass the time, you would expect a double [s] here. Well, there is only one. The second [s] was slipped through the cracks in English orthography long ago.

 All it takes is perseverance and you, too, can be a near-perfect speller. The suffix is -ance for no reason at all.

What follows, succeeds, so what goes before should, what? No, no, no, you are using logic. Nothing confuses English spelling more than common sense. "Succeed" but "precede." Precede combines the Latin words "pre" and "cedere" which means to go before.

The spelling principle to remember here is that the school principal is a prince and a pal (despite appearances)--and the same applies to anything of foremost importance, such as a principal principle. A "principle" is a rule. (Thank you, Meghan Cope, for help on this one.)

 According to the pronunciation (not "pronounciation"!) of this word, that middle vowel could be anything. Remember: two [i]s + two [e]s in that order.

 The French doing it to us again. Double up on the [n]s in this word and don't forget the silent [e]. Maybe someday we will spell it the English way.

'Ey, you! Remember, these two words when you spell "restaurant." They are in the middle of it.

 If perfecting your spelling is on your schedule, remember the [sk] is spelled as in "school." (If you use British or Canadian pronunciation, why do you pronounce this word [shedyul] but "school," [skul]? That has always puzzled me.)

The [a] needed in both syllables of this word has been pushed to the back of the line. Remember that, and the fact that [e] is used in both syllables, and you can write your sergeant without fear of misspelling his rank.

This word supersedes all others in perversity. This is the only English word based on this stem spelled -sede. Supersede combines the Latin words "super" and "sedere" which means to sit above.

Even if you omit the [f] in your pronunciation of this word (which you shouldn't do), it is retained in the spelling.

if your head is not a vacuum, remember that the silent [e] on this one married the [u] and joined him inside the word where they are living happily ever since. Well, the evidence is suggestive but not conclusive. Anyway, spell this word with two [u]s and not like "volume."

 Whether you like the weather or not, you have to write the [a] after the [e] when you spell it.

It is weird having to repeat this rule so many times: [i] before [e] except after...? (It isn't [w]!)