Mnemonic Aids and Word Endings as Spelling Tips
Improve Spelling and Grammar Skills to Start Spelling Better Now
Sep 26, 2009
Even though writers tend to rely on a spell checker when typing to check spelling and grammar, there are instances when the correct spelling of a word will come in handy. Being a good speller can help avoid embarrassment, poor grades, and improve an overall personal impression.
When spell-check isn’t an option, but no memorization is involved, have easy access to a current and reliable dictionary, such as a Webster’s Dictionary, or internet access to check spelling online.
Situations will arise when spelling from memory is a necessity. Whether in school and taking a spelling test on paper, or having to prove spelling skills out loud in front of an audience, these tips will help the speller avoid common mistakes.
Mnemonic Aids Assist in Difficult to Spell Words
Certain words are hard to memorize, for example lieutenant. For hard words, try breaking them down, or pulling out a familiar word. Lieutenant can be broken down by saying: Lie – U – Ten – Ant. It may not be pronounced the same way, but it will be hard to forget!
Carol Orsag Madigan, author of Life’s Big Instruction Book [Grand Central Pub, 1995], also gives the example of the words separate and conscience. These are examples of pulling out familiar words to make the difficult word more recognizable. For example, separate has the word "rat" in it, and conscience is Con – Science.
Mnemonic aids can be used in many words that are difficult to spell, and words that don’t sound the way they are spelled. Mnemonic aids benefit spellers of all age groups and levels, whether a beginning speller or a more advanced adult who is looking to memorize a complicated word.
Uncommon Endings in the English Language
According to Madigan, one of the most difficult endings to determine is words that end in either –ify or –efy. By memorizing the following four words, this ending is easy to differentiate: stupefy, rarefy, putrefy, and liquefy. These are the only four words in the English language that end in –efy. For all other words, end them in –ify.
Analyze and paralyze are the only two words in the English language, other than technical jargon, to end in –yze, according to Madigan.
Supersede is the only word to end in –sede.
Succeed, proceed and exceed are the only three words that end in –ceed.
When to Utilize –ery Versus –ary When Ending a Word
Less cut and dry, the endings –ery and –ary can be a bit more complicated. The ending –ary is used almost always when the first syllable of the word has the primary accent and the next-to-last syllable of the word has the secondary accent. Madigan gives the example of the word Sec – Re – Tar – Y.
One reason why this ending is so complicated is that the rule is difficult in general. When the rule is finally memorized, then there are still six exceptions to be noted: the words stationery (as in paper), monastery, millinery, distillery, confectionery, and cemetery. With a little bit of diligence, this rule can become second-nature, just like –i before –e, except after –c (example: receive).
Becoming a Top-Notch Speller
Spelling correctly may seem to be natural for some, and a bit more of a struggle for others, but with a little bit of practice, working with mnemonic aids, and learning a few tips on how to end words, anyone can be become a better speller in no time.
Don’t forget to have a current dictionary at hand, for the times when impromptu writing or spelling arises, and guides are allowed. It is also a good idea to get into a habit of pronouncing words out loud and correctly to help solidify the memorization.
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