Commonly Confused Words: Right vs. Rite vs. Write

blog home

What does each word mean?

If someone is right about something (rather than wrong), it means they are correct about it. If something is to the right (rather than the left), it means it is on the south side of something that is facing east. If someone has the right to something, it means they are entitled to it.

Here is right used in some example sentences:

  • I got all the answers right in the spelling test.
  • The plates are in the cupboard on the right.
  •  We have the right to vote.   

Look up right in the Spellzone dictionary.

A rite is a ceremony or observance which is often relgious in nature.

Here is rite used in some example sentences:

  • The priest administered the last rites.
  • The ceremony is based on an ancient rite.
  • The rites of passage in Sanskrit philosophy are known as samskara.

Look up rite in the Spellzone dictionary.

If you write something, it means you mark letters, words, or symbols on a surface (such as paper) to communicate something.

Here is write used in some example sentences:

  • Do you write by hand or do you prefer to type?
  • He writes his answers neatly.
  • I would like to write a book.

Look up write in the Spellzone dictionary

Occasionally you may also come across the word wright which is an old word for a maker or a builder, for example a playwright or a shipwright.
 

Are there any tricks to help remember the difference these words?

  • Pronounce the silent g in right to help you remember its spelling.
  • Rite is another word for ritual – both words start with the letters rit.
  • Think of the question ‘what are you writing?’ to help you remember write begins with a w.
  • Think of a playwright writing plays to help you remember a wright is a maker or builder.


Missed a post? Catch up!


15 Sep 2022
blog home

Try Spellzone for free

Recent Blogs

How to Recognise and Overcome Tricky Spelling Patterns With Clarity and Confidence
How to Teach Spelling with Minimal Stress: Simple Techniques for Busy Teachers
Spelling for Mindfulness: How Slowing Down Can Help You Focus and Learn
Spelling Slip-Ups: Everyday Words People Often Get Wrong (and Clever Ways to Get Them Right)
Jamie Oliver’s Dyslexia Revolution: Why Schools Must Do More Than Just Listen
Embedding Spelling Practice Across All Subjects in Primary Schools: Supporting Literacy Beyond English Lessons
How to Teach Spelling to Reluctant Learners: Engaging and Low-Stress Methods
Why English Spelling Is So Hard And What You Can Do About It
Spelling Tricks for Words That Don’t Sound How They’re Spelled
From Spelling to Pronunciation: Why English Words Don’t Always Sound How They Look
How Spelling Tests Can Be a Positive Learning Opportunity: Encouraging a Healthy Relationship with Assessments
Why Some Words Have Double Letters: Spelling Rules and Tips
Why Spelling Rules Matter: How Patterns Simplify Learning
Spellzone Earns High Praise in Independent Pedagogical Quality Report
Spelling Through Visualisation: Using Imagery to Remember Words
How Reading Improves Spelling: The Power of Context
Tricky English Spelling Patterns: How to Teach Common Letter Combinations
How to Create Effective Spelling Word Lists for Students: A Guide for Educators
Understanding Root Words: Unlocking the Meaning of Complex Words
Navigating the World of Hyphenated Words in English

"Fantastic - the most relevant material/resource ever seen for both dyslexia and teaching spelling rules."

College Lecturer