CUPS: Capitalization Usage
Punctuation Spelling
The i before e
rule
1.Most words follow the i before e rule: i comes before e except after
c or when it sounds like a as in neighbor and weigh.
friend, received, weighed
Some
exceptions
2.Remember these exceptions: either, forfeit, height, leisure, neither, seize,
seizure, weird.
Use a mnemonic like EFHL NSSW to memorize the list.
Adding a prefix
3. The spelling of a word never changes when a prefix is added.
mis + spell = misspell; un + necessary = unnecessary.
Practice this rule with a plus sign to visualize the words.
Doubling the
last consonant
4. If the last syllable of the root word is stressed, double the final consonant.
occur + r + ing = occurring; occur + r + ed + occurred.
Practice this rule with plus signs to visualize the words.
Words ending
in c
5. Words that end in a hard c need a k if you add a suffix.
picnic: picnic + k + ing = picnicking
We packed a picnic and went picnicking at the park.
The silent e rule
6.Words that end in a silent e drop the e before adding a suffix that begins
with a vowel.
skate: skate - e + ing = skating; create: create – e + ed = created
Nouns ending in
fe
7. Most nouns that end in f or fe change to ve for the plural form.
knife: knife – fe + ve + s = knives
Nouns ending
in y
8.Most nouns ending in y preceded by a consonant change the y to i and
add es to form the plural.
family: family – y + i + es = families
Nouns ending in
ey
9. Words that end in y preceded by a vowel become plural by adding an s.
turkey: turkey + s = turkeys; holiday: holiday + s = holidays
Good words to
know
10.Avoid common spelling errors by learning to use the following words
correctly: to, too, two; you’re, your; their, there, they’re; it’s, its.
Two children went to see the movie and ate too much popcorn.
Your teachers say you’re wonderful!
They’re going over there with their friends.
It’s sad that the dog lost its way.
© 2008 Sopris West Educational Services.
Print Form
Assessment and High Standards
Step Up to Writing • Intermediate
Tool 10-7d