The letter combinations oi and oy are used to represent the same sound in different words. For example, oil and coin have the oi pattern, while boy and joy use oy.
When spelling words with oi or oy, make sure you use the correct combination:
If the /oi/ sound falls in the middle of a word, use the letters oi to spell it.
If the /oi/ sound falls at the end of a word, use the letters oy to spell it.
Be aware of exceptions, such as in oyster, coyote, and the past tense forms of verbs that end in oy like enjoyed or deployed.
Try out our pattern-recognition games like Bouncing Anagrams to help you make sure you get the letters in the right order.
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boil |
Will you boil the kettle for tea?
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foil |
They wrapped the sandwiches in foil.
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soil |
This garden soil is good quality.
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spoil |
Please don't spoil the game by cheating.
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toil |
He began to toil up the hill.
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coin |
The coin featured the monarch's profile.
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join |
The musician had to audition to join the band.
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loin |
Loin of lamb is a very tender meat.
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joint |
Your elbow is a hinge joint.
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void |
The contract was deemed void.
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hoist |
He used a hoist to lift the weight.
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joist |
You need a new joist fitted above that door.
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moist |
This chocolate cake is very moist.
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choice |
There is a good choice of food in the canteen.
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voice |
His voice was very faint.
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noise |
Did you hear that strange noise?
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boy |
The boy ate some cake.
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joy |
The baby has brought them great joy.
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toy |
She loved her toy train.
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Learn more about these words in Unit 16. Spelling choices for /oi/ sound: oi, oy
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: oi and oy words
Springtime Spelling
Spring into spelling!
Easter Egg Hunt
Crack the eggs!
Word Search, small
The classic English word game.
Against the Clock
Spelling 'against the clock'.
Mayan Temple
Try the temple spelling puzzle.
Monkey Business
It's bananas!
Test yourself using the 'Listen and Spell' spelling test.
Print worksheets and activities: oi and oy words
Handwriting worksheets: oi and oy words
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