This document provides explanations and examples of four spelling rules and five pluralization spelling rules that were covered in class. It defines key terms like prefix, suffix, plural, and pluralize. For each rule, it provides the rule statement, examples, and then words to determine if they are spelled correctly based on the rule. It explains that knowing how to spell words in their singular form helps with pluralizing them according to the rules.

1. SPELLING RULES ANDSPELLING RULES AND
PLURALIZATION SPELLING RULESPLURALIZATION SPELLING RULES
What follows is an explanation ofWhat follows is an explanation of
the four spelling rules and the fivethe four spelling rules and the five
pluralization spelling rules wepluralization spelling rules we
covered in class. The rules arecovered in class. The rules are
listed, examples are given, and thenlisted, examples are given, and then
there are some quiz words/tasks forthere are some quiz words/tasks for
you to quiz yourself.you to quiz yourself.

2. Things to remember whenThings to remember when
looking at these spelling rules:looking at these spelling rules:
PrefixPrefix:: A prefixA prefix
is a “word part”is a “word part”
that comes beforethat comes before
the root word.the root word.
 Example #1Example #1:: unun in thein the
wordword ununkindkind
 Example #2Example #2:: mismis in thein the
wordword mismisspellspell
SuffixSuffix:: A suffixA suffix
is a “word part”is a “word part”
that comes afterthat comes after
the root word.the root word.
 Example #1Example #1:: fulful in thein the
wordword carecarefulful
 Example #2Example #2:: inging in thein the
wordword runnrunninging

3. Spelling Rule #1 (SR#1):Spelling Rule #1 (SR#1):
TheThe ii beforebefore ee rulerule
RuleRule:: WriteWrite ii beforebefore
ee exceptexcept when itwhen it
comes aftercomes after cc..
 ExampleExample::I belI belieieve thatve that
enforcing my classroomenforcing my classroom
rules will allow eachrules will allow each
student the opportunitystudent the opportunity
to recto receieive a goodve a good
education.education.
Exception toException to
spelling rule #1spelling rule #1::
You writeYou write eiei whenwhen
the sound is notthe sound is not ee,,
especially when theespecially when the
sound issound is aa..
 ExampleExample:: I don’t like itI don’t like it
when my nwhen my neieighbor bangsghbor bangs
on the wall.on the wall.

4. Now, based onNow, based on spelling rule #1spelling rule #1,,
determine whether or not thedetermine whether or not the
following words are misspelled. Thefollowing words are misspelled. The
answers are on the following slide.answers are on the following slide.
Reminder of SR#1Reminder of SR#1
RuleRule: Write: Write ii beforebefore
ee exceptexcept when itwhen it
comes aftercomes after cc..
Exception to spellingException to spelling
rule #1rule #1:: You writeYou write eiei
when the sound is notwhen the sound is not
ee, especially when the, especially when the
sound issound is aa..
Spelled Correctly?Spelled Correctly?
• DecieveDecieve
• RetrieveRetrieve
• BelieveBelieve
• WieghWiegh

5. DecieveDecieve: misspelled because the: misspelled because the cc means themeans the ee
should come before theshould come before the ii, and the proper, and the proper
spelling isspelling is decdeceieiveve..
RetrieveRetrieve: correctly spelled because, since there: correctly spelled because, since there
is nois no cc, the, the ii should come before theshould come before the ee..
BelieveBelieve: correctly spelled because, since there is: correctly spelled because, since there is
nono cc, the, the ii should come before theshould come before the ee..
WieghWiegh: misspelled because the: misspelled because the aa soundsound meansmeans
thethe ii beforebefore ee rule does not apply andrule does not apply and ee shouldshould
come beforecome before ii, and the proper spelling is, and the proper spelling is wweieighgh..

6. Spelling Rule #2 (SR#2):Spelling Rule #2 (SR#2):
The silentThe silent ee
RuleRule:: If a word endsIf a word ends
with a silentwith a silent ee, drop, drop
thethe ee before adding abefore adding a
suffix that beginssuffix that begins
with a vowel (likewith a vowel (like
iingng).).
 ExampleExample::I wasI was
planning onplanning on usingusing mymy
backpack to hold mybackpack to hold my
materials. This will stopmaterials. This will stop
me fromme from losinglosing mymy
homework.homework.
NoteNote:: You do notYou do not
drop thedrop the ee when thewhen the
suffix begins with asuffix begins with a
consonant (likeconsonant (like fulful).).
 ExampleExample:: MyMy
backpack proved to bebackpack proved to be
veryvery usefuluseful..

7. Now, based onNow, based on spelling rule #2spelling rule #2,,
determine whether or not thedetermine whether or not the
following words are misspelled. Thefollowing words are misspelled. The
answers are on the following slide.answers are on the following slide.
Reminder of SR#2Reminder of SR#2
RuleRule:: If a word endsIf a word ends
with a silentwith a silent ee, drop, drop
thethe ee before adding abefore adding a
suffix that begins withsuffix that begins with
a vowel (likea vowel (like iingng).).
NoteNote:: You do not dropYou do not drop
thethe ee when the suffixwhen the suffix
begins with abegins with a
consonant (likeconsonant (like fulful).).
 Word:Word: improveimprove
Spelled Correctly?Spelled Correctly?
• improveingimproveing
• improvmentimprovment

8. ImproveingImproveing: misspelled because: misspelled because improveimprove endsends
with a silentwith a silent ee and the suffixand the suffix iingng begins with abegins with a
vowel. This means we drop the silentvowel. This means we drop the silent ee beforebefore
adding the suffix, and the proper spelling isadding the suffix, and the proper spelling is
improvimproviingng..
ImprovmentImprovment: misspelled because: misspelled because improveimprove endsends
with a silentwith a silent ee and the suffixand the suffix mmentent begins with abegins with a
consonant. This means we keep the silentconsonant. This means we keep the silent ee
before adding the suffix, and the proper spellingbefore adding the suffix, and the proper spelling
isis improvimproveementment..

9. Spelling Rule #3 (SR#3):Spelling Rule #3 (SR#3):
Words ending inWords ending in yy
RuleRule: With words: With words
that end in athat end in a yy andand
the second-to-lastthe second-to-last
letter is a consonant,letter is a consonant,
change thechange the yy toto ii
before adding anybefore adding any
suffix that doesn’tsuffix that doesn’t
begin withbegin with ii.. IfIf thethe
suffix begins withsuffix begins with ii
((inging), keep the), keep the yy andand
simply add the suffix.simply add the suffix.
 Example #1Example #1:: I wantedI wanted
somesome friedfried dough, but Idough, but I
couldn’t have anycouldn’t have any
because I’mbecause I’m tryingtrying toto
lose weight.lose weight.
 Example #2Example #2:: II triedtried toto
clean theclean the fryingfrying pan, butpan, but
it was too greasy.it was too greasy.

10. Now, based onNow, based on spelling rule #3spelling rule #3,,
determine whether or not thedetermine whether or not the
following words are misspelled. Thefollowing words are misspelled. The
answers are on the following slide.answers are on the following slide.
Reminder of SR#3Reminder of SR#3
RuleRule: With words that: With words that
end in aend in a yy and theand the
second-to-last letter issecond-to-last letter is
a consonant, changea consonant, change
thethe yy toto ii before addingbefore adding
any suffix that doesn’tany suffix that doesn’t
begin withbegin with ii.. IfIf thethe
suffix begins withsuffix begins with ii
((inging), keep the), keep the yy andand
simply add the suffix.simply add the suffix.
 Word:Word: certifycertify
Spelled Correctly?Spelled Correctly?
• CertifiedCertified
• CertifyingCertifying

11. CertifiedCertified: is spelled correctly because the: is spelled correctly because the
second-to-last letter in the wordsecond-to-last letter in the word certifycertify is ais a
consonant (consonant (ff) so when we add a suffix that) so when we add a suffix that
doesn’t begin withdoesn’t begin with ii, like, like eded in this case, we havein this case, we have
to change theto change the yy toto ii and add the suffix (and add the suffix (eded).).
CertifyingCertifying: is spelled correctly because the: is spelled correctly because the
second-to-last letter in the wordsecond-to-last letter in the word certifycertify is ais a
consonant (consonant (ff) so when we add a suffix that) so when we add a suffix that
begins withbegins with ii, like, like inging in this case, we simplyin this case, we simply
have to keep thehave to keep the yy and add the suffix (and add the suffix (inging).).

12. Spelling Rule #4 (SR#4):Spelling Rule #4 (SR#4):
Consonant EndingConsonant Ending
RuleRule:: When a wordWhen a word
ends in a consonantends in a consonant
(ba(batt) and the second-) and the second-
to-last letter is ato-last letter is a
vowel (bvowel (baat), doublet), double
the final consonantthe final consonant
before adding abefore adding a
suffix that beginssuffix that begins
with a vowelwith a vowel
(ba(battttinging).).
 ExampleExample:: Mr. WinchellMr. Winchell
is geis gettttinging pretty weird.pretty weird.
Yesterday he asked meYesterday he asked me
to write a suto write a summmmaryary ofof
what I was plawhat I was plannnninging toto
do for summer vacation.do for summer vacation.
It’s September!It’s September!

13. Now, based onNow, based on spelling rule #4spelling rule #4,,
determine whether or not thedetermine whether or not the
following words are misspelled. Thefollowing words are misspelled. The
answers are on the following slide.answers are on the following slide.
Reminder of SR#4Reminder of SR#4
RuleRule: When a word: When a word
ends in a consonantends in a consonant
(ba(batt) and the second-) and the second-
to-last letter is a vowelto-last letter is a vowel
(b(baat), double the finalt), double the final
consonant beforeconsonant before
adding a suffix thatadding a suffix that
begins with a vowelbegins with a vowel
(ba(battttinging).).
Spelled Correctly?Spelled Correctly?
• hiterhiter
• runningrunning
• beginingbegining

14. hiterhiter: misspelled because the word: misspelled because the word hithit ends with aends with a
consonant (consonant (tt) and the second-to-last letter is a vowel () and the second-to-last letter is a vowel (ii).).
This means we must double the final consonant beforeThis means we must double the final consonant before
adding a suffix that begins with a vowel, likeadding a suffix that begins with a vowel, like erer in thisin this
case, and the proper spelling iscase, and the proper spelling is hihitttterer..
runningrunning: is spelled correctly because the word: is spelled correctly because the word runrun endsends
with a consonant (with a consonant (nn) and the second-to-last letter is a) and the second-to-last letter is a
vowel (vowel (uu). This means we must double the final). This means we must double the final
consonant before adding a suffix that begins with aconsonant before adding a suffix that begins with a
vowel, likevowel, like inging in this case, soin this case, so rurunnnninging is correct.is correct.
beginingbegining: misspelled because the word: misspelled because the word beginbegin ends with aends with a
consonant (consonant (nn) and the second-to-last letter is a vowel () and the second-to-last letter is a vowel (ii).).
This means we must double the final consonant beforeThis means we must double the final consonant before
adding a suffix that begins with a vowel, likeadding a suffix that begins with a vowel, like inging in thisin this
case, and the proper spelling iscase, and the proper spelling is begibeginnnninging..

15. Things to remember when looking at theseThings to remember when looking at these
PLURALIZATION spelling rules:PLURALIZATION spelling rules:
PluralPlural:: MeansMeans
more than one.more than one.
Pluralize:Pluralize: MeansMeans
to make ato make a
singular a pluralsingular a plural
 ExampleExample: Pluralizing: Pluralizing
the wordthe word deskdesk wouldwould
make itmake it desksdesks..
NoteNote:: A lot dependsA lot depends
on the last letter andon the last letter and
the second-to-lastthe second-to-last
letter when youletter when you
pluralize. Therefore,pluralize. Therefore,
if you know how toif you know how to
spell the word in thespell the word in the
singular form, yousingular form, you
should have noshould have no
problem pluralizingproblem pluralizing
it.it.

16. Pluralization Spelling Rule #1 (PSR#1):Pluralization Spelling Rule #1 (PSR#1):
Adding “s”Adding “s”
RuleRule:: The regularThe regular
way to pluralize away to pluralize a
noun is to simplynoun is to simply
addadd ss. Do this. Do this
when you don’twhen you don’t
need the “e”need the “e”
sound to pluralizesound to pluralize
a word.a word.
ExamplesExamples::
SingularSingular PluralPlural
Desk ------Desk ------ deskdeskss
Car -------Car ------- carcarss
PenPen -------------- penpenss

17. Pluralization Spelling Rule #2 (PSR#2):Pluralization Spelling Rule #2 (PSR#2):
Adding “es”Adding “es”
RuleRule:: Some nounsSome nouns
are pluralized byare pluralized by
addingadding eses. The. The ee
represents therepresents the
extra sound heardextra sound heard
when -when -ss is addedis added
to words ending into words ending in
ss,, shsh,, chch, and, and xx..
ExamplesExamples::
SingularSingular PluralPlural
Dress -----Dress ----- dressdresseses
Box -------Box ------- boxboxeses
WishWish ------------ wishwisheses

18. Pluralization Spelling Rule #3 (PSR#3):Pluralization Spelling Rule #3 (PSR#3):
Nouns that end in “y”Nouns that end in “y”
Explanation #1Explanation #1::
When a noun endsWhen a noun ends
withwith yy andand thethe
second-to-lastsecond-to-last
letter is aletter is a
consonantconsonant, you, you
pluralize bypluralize by
changing thechanging the yy toto ii
and addingand adding eses..
Explanation #2Explanation #2::
When a noun endsWhen a noun ends
withwith yy andand thethe
second-to-lastsecond-to-last
letter is a vowelletter is a vowel,,
you pluralize byyou pluralize by
keepingkeeping yy and youand you
simply addsimply add ss..

19. Now, based onNow, based on pluralization spellingpluralization spelling
rule #3rule #3, determine whether or not the, determine whether or not the
following words are misspelled. Thefollowing words are misspelled. The
answers are on the following slide.answers are on the following slide.
Reminder of PSR#3Reminder of PSR#3
 When a noun ends withWhen a noun ends with
yy andand the second-to-lastthe second-to-last
letter is a consonantletter is a consonant,,
you pluralize byyou pluralize by
changing thechanging the yy toto ii andand
addingadding eses..
 When a noun ends withWhen a noun ends with
yy andand the second-to-lastthe second-to-last
letter is a vowelletter is a vowel, you, you
pluralize by keepingpluralize by keeping yy
and you simply addand you simply add ss..
Spelled Correctly?Spelled Correctly?
SingularSingular PluralPlural
Country --- Countrys?Country --- Countrys?
Saturday – Saturdays?Saturday – Saturdays?
ValleyValley ----- vallies?----- vallies?

20. CountrysCountrys: misspelled because the second-: misspelled because the second-
to-last letter in the wordto-last letter in the word countcountrryy is ais a
consonant (consonant (r)r) and this means you changeand this means you change
thethe yy toto ii and addand add eses and the correctand the correct
spelling isspelling is countriescountries..
SaturdaysSaturdays: correctly spelled because, since: correctly spelled because, since
the second-to-last letter in the wordthe second-to-last letter in the word
SaturdSaturdaayy is a vowel (is a vowel (a)a), you keep the, you keep the yy andand
simply addsimply add ss..
ValliesVallies: misspelled because the second-to-: misspelled because the second-to-
last letter in the wordlast letter in the word vallvalleeyy is a vowel (is a vowel (e)e)
and this means you keep theand this means you keep the yy and simplyand simply
addadd s,s, and the correct spelling isand the correct spelling is valleysvalleys..

21. Pluralization Spelling Rule #4 (PSR#4):Pluralization Spelling Rule #4 (PSR#4):
Nouns that end in “f” or “fe”Nouns that end in “f” or “fe”
Explanation #1Explanation #1::
The plural of mostThe plural of most
nouns ending innouns ending in ff
oror fefe is formed byis formed by
addingadding ss. These. These
words keep thewords keep the
finalfinal ff soundsound in thein the
plural form.plural form.
Explanation #2Explanation #2::
The plural of someThe plural of some
nouns ending innouns ending in ff
oror fefe is formed byis formed by
changing thechanging the ff toto vv
and addingand adding ss oror eses..
These words haveThese words have
aa vv soundsound in thein the
plural form.plural form.

22. Now, based onNow, based on pluralization spellingpluralization spelling
rule #4rule #4, determine whether or not the, determine whether or not the
following words are misspelled. Thefollowing words are misspelled. The
answers are on the following slide.answers are on the following slide.
Reminder of PSR#4Reminder of PSR#4
 The plural of most nounsThe plural of most nouns
ending inending in ff oror fefe isis
formed by addingformed by adding ss..
These words keep theThese words keep the
finalfinal ff soundsound in thein the
plural form.plural form.
 The plural of someThe plural of some
nouns ending innouns ending in ff oror fefe isis
formed by changing theformed by changing the ff
toto vv and addingand adding ss oror eses..
These words have aThese words have a vv
soundsound in the plural form.in the plural form.
Spelled Correctly?Spelled Correctly?
SingularSingular PluralPlural
Knife --Knife -- knives?knives?
Roof ---Roof --- rooves?rooves?

23. halveshalves: correctly spelled because: correctly spelled because
the plural form has athe plural form has a vv sound, sosound, so
you change theyou change the ff toto vv and addand add eses..
roovesrooves: misspelled because the: misspelled because the
plural form keeps anplural form keeps an ff sound, sosound, so
you keep theyou keep the ff and simply addand simply add ss,,
and the correct spelling isand the correct spelling is roofsroofs..

24. Pluralization Spelling Rule #5 (PSR#5):Pluralization Spelling Rule #5 (PSR#5):
Nouns that end in “o”Nouns that end in “o”
Explanation #1Explanation #1::
The plural ofThe plural of
nouns that end innouns that end in
oo and theand the second-second-
to-last letter is ato-last letter is a
vowelvowel is usuallyis usually
formed by simplyformed by simply
addingadding ss..
Example:Example:
RadRadiio ----- radioso ----- radios
Explanation #2Explanation #2::
The plural ofThe plural of
nouns that end innouns that end in
oo and theand the second-second-
to-last letter is ato-last letter is a
consonantconsonant isis
usually formed byusually formed by
addingadding eses..
Example:Example:
TomaTomatto ----- tomatoeso ----- tomatoes

25. Now, based onNow, based on pluralization spellingpluralization spelling
rule #5rule #5, determine whether or not the, determine whether or not the
following words are misspelled. Thefollowing words are misspelled. The
answers are on the following slide.answers are on the following slide.
Reminder of PSR#5Reminder of PSR#5
 The plural of nounsThe plural of nouns
that end inthat end in oo and theand the
second-to-last letter issecond-to-last letter is
a vowela vowel is usuallyis usually
formed by addingformed by adding ss..
 The plural of nounsThe plural of nouns
that end inthat end in oo and theand the
second-to-last letter issecond-to-last letter is
a consonanta consonant is usuallyis usually
formed by addingformed by adding eses..
Spelled Correctly?Spelled Correctly?
SingularSingular PluralPlural
Patio ------ Patioes?Patio ------ Patioes?
Potato ---- PotatoesPotato ---- Potatoes

26. PatioesPatioes: misspelled because the: misspelled because the
second-to-last letter in the wordsecond-to-last letter in the word patpatiioo
is a vowel (is a vowel (i)i) and this means youand this means you
simply addsimply add ss and the correct spelling isand the correct spelling is
patiospatios..
PotatoesPotatoes: correctly spelled because,: correctly spelled because,
since the second-to-last letter in thesince the second-to-last letter in the
wordword potapotattoo is a consonant (is a consonant (t)t), you, you
must addmust add eses and the correct spelling isand the correct spelling is
potatoespotatoes..