Spelling suggestions when the spell checker falls short

Many people can write. Many people can write well. There are some great writers too, however even though they are great writers, their spelling can be awful at times. They rely heavily on their spell checkers on their computers, but even spell checkers cannot identify every misspelled word or misspelled word, especially if the word is a homonym (words that sound the same but are spelled differently).

Misspelled words send negative messages about the writer and create doubts about the writer’s ability and credibility. If you are one of those good writers, or even a great writer, and you have trouble spelling the words correctly even after using your spell checker, fear not. Here are some easy tips to help you spell a word when your spell checker falls short.

To get started, create your own personal spelling list. This could be a list of words that you have a hard time spelling. Then add other commonly misspelled words to your list and keep them as a reference list when you start your writing projects.

Use a dictionary when you are unsure of the spelling of a word or if your spell checker does not identify the word as a misspelled word. Spell checkers can’t find all misspelled words or tell you if you’ve misused a word like with homonyms (i.e. there, their, they are).

There are five basic spelling suggestions that can help you spell correctly.

Words ending in -e:

Remove the final e when the suffix begins with a vowel.

(believe + -ing = believe)

Keep the final e when the suffix begins with a consonant.

(duel + -ment = duel)

Words that use ie or ei:

Use ie generally

(to believe)

Except after c, use ei

(scam)

Use ei in words with the ay sound

(weigh)

Use ie in words with shen sounds

(awareness)

Words ending in -y:

If the letter before the final y is a consonant, change the y to i and add the suffix.

(fun + -er = more fun)

If the letter before the final y is a consonant and the suffix begins with i, keep the final y and add the suffix.

(fry + -ing = fry)

If the letter before the final y is a vowel, keep the final y and add the suffix.

(unfold + -ed = unfold)

Words that double the final consonant:

When adding suffixes to one-syllable words, if the last two letters are a vowel followed by a consonant, double the final consonant.

(fat + -er = fatter)

When adding suffixes to words with more than one syllable, follow these two rules:
If the accent is on the last syllable and the suffix begins with a vowel, double the final consonant.

(start + -ing = start)

If the accent is not on the last syllable and the suffix begins with a vowel, do not double the final consonant.

(offer + -ed = offered)

If the accent is on the last syllable and the suffix begins with a consonant, do not double the final consonant.

(forget + -ful = forgetful)

Adding -so -es to form plurals:

Add -s to most words, including words ending in -ch (which sound like k), -f, -ff, -ffe, and -o (when preceded by a vowel). Exceptions: words ending in -fe change to -ves.

(grades, stomachs, beliefs, canes, giraffes, spokes, knives)

Add -es to words ending in -s, -ss, -sh, -x, -z, -ch, and -o (when preceded by a consonant).

(buses, glasses, plates, boxes, contests, beaches and potatoes)

Using these five basic spelling suggestions can help you improve your writing. Spelling errors in otherwise excellent writing create serious doubts in the mind of the reader about the skills and credibility of the writer. Improving your spelling skills can only strengthen your writing and send positive messages to your audience that you are credible and capable of skillful writing.