Spelling Rules:
1. I before E except after c, or when sounded like “A” as in neighbor and weigh
Some exceptions:
Either, neither, science, seize, their, weird
2. Silent E. Drop the e before adding a suffix that begins with a vowel.
Ex) state—stating—statement
Write-writing
Cite-citing
3. Words ending in Y. When y is the last letter in a word and the y comes just after a
consonant, change the y to i before adding any suffix. (except those beginning with i)
Ex)fry-fries—frying
Fly-flies-flying
Lady-ladies
DYE (HAIR)
DYEING
DIE (DEATH)
DYING
4. Consonant endings—When a one-syllable word that ends in a consonant (bat), but
before the consonant is a vowel (bat) double the last consonant before adding a suffix
that begins with a vowel. (batting)
Ex) goddess, summary, jogging, running
Bunt(ing) bat(ting)
PLURALS
1. Most nouns, add an s
Cheerleader---cheerleaders
2. Nouns ending in ch, sh, s, x, and z—add es
Lunch-lunches, fox-foxes
3. Nouns ending in o
 If there is a vowel just before the o, add an s
Ex) radio—radios, rodeo-rodeos
 If there is a consonant just before the o, add an es
Ex) hero—heroes, tomato—tomatoes
**exceptions: musical terms and words of Spanish origin. Always just add s.
Alto—altos, pianos, burritos
4. Nouns ending in y—change the y to i and add es
Ex) baby—babies, cavity—cavities
 If there is a vowel before the y, add only s
Ex)key-keys, holiday—holidays.
 If the noun ending in y is proper, just add an s.
City—cities. Party City—Party Citys—Best Buys
5. Compound nouns: the plural is formed by adding s or es to the MAIN word in the
compound
Ex) brothers-in-law
Maids of honor
Secretaries of state