Main Course
Unit 21. The 'I' before 'e' rule – does it work?
Study this wordlist Study
Learn using Look, Say, Cover, Write, Check Learn
Spelling Games Games
Listen and Spell test Test
Printable worksheets and activities Print
Handwriting worksheets Write

ie and ei words: rulebreakers

This list has some of the words that break the rule i before e except after c but only when the sound is e.

ancient 		Greece has many ancient ruins.
efficient 		He was an efficient worker.
sufficient 		Do you have sufficient money for a bus ride home?
conscience 		My conscience is completely clear.
protein 		A balanced diet should contain protein.
seize 		Did you see him seize my purse?
weird 		I heard a very weird noise in the night.
foreign 		We love foreign travel.
sovereign 		A reigning king or queen is a sovereign.
forfeit 		He will forfeit his chance of promotion.
counterfeit 		They found counterfeit money at his home.
height 		He was at the height of his popularity.
either 		You can have either of these two cakes.
neither 		Neither of my friends could come out to play.
leisure 		I enjoy a balance of work and leisure time.
science 		David hopes to excel in his science exam.

This word list was created by Spellzone. View more Spellzone course lists or curriculum word lists.

Learn about these words in Unit 21. The 'I' before 'e' rule – does it work?

Use the list: ie and ei words: rulebreakers

'Look, Say, Cover, Write, Check' spelling exercise Learn this spelling list using the 'Look, Say, Cover, Write, Check' activity.

English spelling games Spelling games using the word list: ie and ei words: rulebreakers

spelling test Test yourself using the 'Listen and Spell' spelling test.

Worksheets and activities Print worksheets and activities using: ie and ei words: rulebreakers

Handwriting worksheets Handwriting worksheets using: ie and ei words: rulebreakers


Sign up to remove this advert

Other lists from Unit 21. The 'I' before 'e' rule – does it work?

cei words
ei saying /ay/ This list contains British English spellings
ei saying /ay/ This list contains American English spellings
ie words

Spellzone list  

Try Spellzone for free


Share this list ▼

"I have just subscribed and look forward to continuing to use Spellzone. I have been really impressed with the program during the trial period and the students gave very positive feedback. Many thanks."

Teacher, International School, Geneva