Explore this spelling list: Short a words. This word list provides interactive resources to boost your spelling skills. Have you tried our spelling games and printable spelling lists yet?
The short /a/ sound is pronounced like the a in cat or hat. This sound can be found in many common words, making it a key building block for reading and spelling. Recognising and practising short a words helps improve your vocabulary and enhances your understanding of how words are formed.
Some examples of short a words include bat, man, pan, and sad. Each of these words features the short /a/ sound at its core. When you say these words, pay attention to how your mouth moves. Notice how your mouth opens slightly, creating that distinctive short /a/ sound. You can practise saying these words out loud, focusing on enunciating the a clearly.
Learning short a words is important because they appear frequently in both spoken and written English. By becoming familiar with this sound, you’ll be more confident as a reader and writer.
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absent |
William was absent during class today.
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active |
He was active in the field of science.
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actor |
The actor got his cue to go on stage.
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album |
The band released their latest album to much praise.
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animal |
I heard the roar of a wild animal.
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atlas |
When I drive I occasionally use an atlas.
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bandit |
He was the most infamous bandit in the county.
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camel |
We rode to the pyramids by camel.
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dagger |
The pirate pulled a dagger from his belt.
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factory |
A consignment of goods was sent from the factory.
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hammer |
The sculptor worked with a hammer and a chisel.
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ladder |
A broken ladder caused the accident.
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magnify |
If the print is to small you can magnify it.
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panic |
There was panic when the ship started to sink.
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rabbit |
Would your rabbit like a carrot?
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saddle |
There was a saddle on the horse.
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January |
It is colder in January than June.
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Learn more about these words in the Spellzone Main Course: Unit 6. Short vowels e.g. e or ea? o or u?
Spelling Practice: Short a wordsTest and improve your spelling through focused repetition and drills.
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: Short a wordsChallenge yourself with spelling games and improve accuracy.
Springtime Spelling
Spring into spelling!
Egg Hunt
Crack the eggs!
Word Search, small
The classic English word game.
Against the Clock
Spelling 'against the clock'.
Mayan Temple
Try the temple spelling puzzle.
Monkey Business
It's bananas!
Take a Spelling Test: Short a wordsTest your knowledge and track your improvement.
Printable Activities: Short a wordsPractice offline by printing worksheets for these words.
Handwriting Practice: Short a wordsStrengthen spelling retention through writing practice.
This word list was created by Spellzone. View more Spellzone course lists or curriculum word lists.
One of the students has put in a huge amount of effort in completing Spellzone at least 3 times a week since his arrival with us in January. Looking at his scores after the latest GL testing, his standardised score has risen from 99 to 131. This is a truly phenomenal result. I just wanted to share the best result I have ever seen.
Terrie Penrose-Toms, Casterton College
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