Spelling list: ai words - set 1

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!

aid
The vet came to the dog's aid just in time.
aim
Tom's aim is to score 10 goals this season.
paid
He paid the fare for the train journey. *
fail
You never fail to amaze me!
mail
The postman delivered the mail. *
sail
What time does the ferry set sail?
tail
Dad tripped over the dog's tail. *
snail
The snail left a trail on the path.
claim
Call this number to claim your prize.
main
We don't want to live near the main road.
pain
I have a slight pain in my neck.
chain
There was a broken link in the chain.
plain
The chocolate cake is nicer than the plain cake. *
stain
His blood made a dark red stain on the carpet.
strain
I have been under a lot of strain. *
wait
How much longer do we have to wait?
gait
The sports therapist studied my gait.
paint
I like to use different colours when I paint. *
faint
His voice was very faint.
waist
My skirt is tight around my waist.