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Mayan Temple
Monkey Business
Spellzone list 
In English spelling, the letter combination ai often represents the long /a/ sound. This is a common spelling pattern found in words such as rain, train, or paint. It is different from the short /a/ sound found in words like cat or hat.
Words that might look similar sound totally different depending on whether they have a short /a/ sound or a long /a/ sound, for example am and aim or clam and claim.
As there are six different ways of spelling the long /a/ sound, it is important to learn to identify and remember words that use the ai spelling. Have a go at the spelling activities and games – you’ll be confident in no time!
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aid |
The vet came to the dog's aid just in time.
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aim |
Tom's aim is to score 10 goals this season.
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paid |
He paid the fare for the train journey.
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fail |
You never fail to amaze me!
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The postman delivered the mail.
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sail |
What time does the ferry set sail?
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tail |
Dad tripped over the dog's tail.
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snail |
The snail left a trail on the path.
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claim |
Call this number to claim your prize.
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main |
We don't want to live near the main road.
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pain |
I have a slight pain in my neck.
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chain |
There was a broken link in the chain.
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plain |
The chocolate cake is nicer than the plain cake.
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stain |
His blood made a dark red stain on the carpet.
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strain |
I have been under a lot of strain.
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wait |
How much longer do we have to wait?
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gait |
The sports therapist studied my gait.
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paint |
I like to use different colours when I paint.
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faint |
His voice was very faint.
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waist |
My skirt is tight around my waist.
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Learn more about these words in Unit 7. Long vowels e.g ee, ea or y? oa, o-e, or ow? u-e, ue, or ew?
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: ai words - set 1
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: ai words - set 1
Handwriting worksheets: ai words - set 1
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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