Spelling list: ir and ear - longer words

Some words in English use the letters ir or ear to spell the /er/ sound. This sound is common in longer words like affirm, confirm, and earnest. The ir and ear combinations create a similar sound to er in her.

Here are two examples:

affirm – I affirm my faith in my religion.
earnest – Their conversation sounded very earnest.

These words might feel challenging, but recognising the er pattern will make them easier to spell.
Click on the speaker icon to hear these er words pronounced!

affirm	I affirm my faith in my religion.
confirm	I'd like to confirm my booking.
infirm	The old and infirm need much help.
circular	We were diverted on a long circular route.
circulation	This newspaper has a large circulation.
circuit	He completed the training circuit first.
earnest	They conversation sounded very earnest.
research	Medical research will help cure more illnesses.