Spelling list: a-e words - set 1

A digraph is a combination of two letters that come together to represent a single sound. The a-e combination is known as a split digraph because the two letters are not next to each other in the word.

In the case of these words, the a-e indicates the long /a/ sound. This sound is different from the short /a/ sound we find in words like cat or hat. Whenever you see the a-e duo in a word, think of it as a clue to the word’s pronunciation. When you add the e to the end of the word, it makes the a say its name. You can click on the speak icons to hear the long /a/ sound in each of these words.

Watch out! There are six other ways to spell the long /a/ sound so use the spelling activities to get to grips with the a-e spelling pattern.

grade
He wanted to get good grades in school.
trade
I'll trade you my cards for yours.
bake
Which cakes shall we bake today?
brake
The car had to brake hard.
shake
The earthquake made the ground shake.
game
Some of the team were late for the game.
flame
The flame flickered.
frame
The picture frame is made of silver.
grape
Would you like a grape?
chase
I had to chase my dog through the field.
plate
I accidentally dropped the plate. *
skate
My brother can skate. *
paste
We mashed the garlic into a paste.
taste
Lemons have a sour taste.
waste
This was a complete waste of time.
brave
His brave actions put his life in jeopardy.
shave
My brother wants to shave all his hair off.
blaze
The firefighters quickly put out the blaze.
graze
My horse likes to graze in the grassy field. *