Do you always give up on your New Year’s resolutions? When we set ourselves goals at the beginning of the year, we often don’t create a plan of action for how we’re going to achieve them. As the weeks and months go by, abstract goals can start to feel more and more overwhelming and unachievable. If one of your goals for 2020 is to improve your spelling, we’re here to help. Last week we shared the first part of our list of 20 tangible steps you can take to help you improve your spelling. Here’s part two: 11) Print off resources In part one, we talked about the value of getting away from your screen. As well printing...
A hyphen is a short dash which is used to link words together. Last week, we learned how to use hyphens in compound words. Today, we will look at how to use hyphens when adding a prefix to another word, how to use hyphens to denote word breaks, and how to use hyphens to stand in for repeated parts of words in lists. Using Hyphens to Join Prefixes to Other Words What is a prefix? A prefix is a collection of letters that is added to the beginning of a word in order to modify its meaning. Prefixes are not usually words in their own right. Here are some examples of prefixes: un- pre- multi- post- super- Do I need to use a hyphen every time I add a prefix to a word?...
This week's Word for Wednesday is a word of Scottish origin, which emerged around the 19th Century. Unfortunately, it is a word that has fallen out of use although we’d love to see that change – since its so much fun! Skullduggery The word is synonymous with ‘trickery’ or ‘dishonest behavior’ but, honestly, which would you prefer to use? Next time you catch someone sneaking around or involved in something… clandestine (incidentally, another great word!) you can question his or her skullduggerous behavior! The word ‘skullduggery’ really does evoke a sense of underhandedness that you don’t get with its more commonplace s...
For the most part, it’s quite straightforward to figure out if you need to use a or an before a word. USUALLY, if the word following begins with a vowel, you should use an. For example: An apple a day keeps the doctor away. We saw an elephant at the zoo. My brother’s opinion on the television show was an interesting one. I bought an orange jumper. “I think it’s going to rain this weekend – have you packed an umbrella?” USUALLY, if the word following begins with a consonant, you should use a. For example: They work in a factory. We’re staying in a hotel by the beach. They are getting marr...
Most plurals are formed by adding an -s to the end of the word. However, you should NEVER use an apostrophe to form a plural (click here for Ten Tips for Using Apostrophes). If the noun ends in a consonant plus –y, form the plural by swapping the –y for –ies. Click here for a word list. Watch out: if the noun ends in a vowel plus –y, form the plural by adding –s as usual. For example, story (as in a tale/book) becomes stories, whereas storey (as in a floor/level) becomes storeys. If the noun ends in –ch, -s, -sh, -x, or -z, form the plural by adding –es. Click here for a word list. HOWEVER, if a noun ending in...
American vs. British English
Common Mistakes
Commonly Confused Words
English Idioms Explained
English Literature
Exams & Tests
Grammar & Punctuation
Mindful Spelling
Spelling at School
Spelling Games
Spelling Homework
Spelling Tips
Spellzone Tips & Tools
Supporting Adult Learners
Supporting Dyslexic Learners
Supporting EAL Learners
Word Origins & Stories
Writing & Vocabulary
"Thank goodness for Spellzone during this remote learning phase. The site is easy for students to navigate independently and they're really enjoying the activities and spelling games. You get an awful lot for your money with Spellzone. Really reassuring is the very prompt response with helpdesk queries. I've very rarely needed the helpdesk, but when I have, the issue has been addressed and sorted within a very short time."
Sarah Taggart, Oasis Academy Lord's HillConnect with us at: 
