
Does your word end in an f sound? Does your word contain a short vowel sound? If you answered yes to both questions, its likely that the f sound at the end of your word is spelt with the letters ff.
For example:
The word staff contains a short /a/ sound and ends with an f sound. This means the f needs to be doubled.
The word cliff contains a short /i/ sound and ends with an f sound. Once again, the f needs to be doubled.
The word cuff contains a short /u/ sound and ends with an f sound. As before, the f needs to be doubled.
This rule also applies to words that end with s and l after a short vowel sound.
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staff |
The boss called a staff meeting.
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sniff |
His cold made him sniff a lot.
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tiff |
A tiff is a small argument.
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puff |
There was a small puff of smoke from the fire.
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bluff |
Jack tried to bluff his way out of a parking ticket.
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cuff |
Jim got mud on his cuff.
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stuff |
Do not stuff so much food in your mouth.
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scoff |
The food was so delicious he couldn't help but scoff it down.
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off |
The ship set off from Florida.
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cliff |
There is a sheer drop at the cliff edge.
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stiff |
He had a stiff neck after the car accident.
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fluff |
She brushed the fluff off her jacket.
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Learn more about these words in Unit 2. Spelling the consonant sounds, Part 1
Learn this spelling list using the 'Look, Say, Cover, Write, Check' activity.
How to use:
Look and read the word.
Say the word. Click the speaker icon.
Cover the word.
Write the word.
Check your spelling.
Spelling games using the word list: ff words
Autumn Anagram
A spelling game for Autumn!
Word Search, small
The classic English word game.
Against the Clock
Spelling 'against the clock'.
Test yourself using the 'Listen and Spell' spelling test.
Print worksheets and activities: ff words
Handwriting worksheets: ff words
This word list was created by Spellzone. View more Spellzone course lists or curriculum word lists.
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