Explore this spelling list: Words ending in -ve. This page is filled with fun activities, spelling games, and resources to aid in your spelling journey. Have you tried our spelling games and printable spelling lists yet?
In English, most words that end with the /v/ sound are spelled with -ve. This rule applies to everyday words like live, have, and love. Whenever you hear a /v/ sound at the end of a word, you almost always need to spell it with -ve.
Think of words like serve or glove. These words use the -ve ending to follow the pattern. Even longer words, like detective or aggressive, stick to this rule.
Remember: if it ends with a /v/ sound, write it with -ve!
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live |
I saw a rock band performing live last night.
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have |
What have I done with my car keys?
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love |
I love to draw and paint.
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above |
A swallow was flying up above.
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glove |
Have you seen my other glove?
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serve |
They serve the best steak in town.
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nerve |
It takes a lot of nerve to swim with sharks.
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active |
My grandpa is very active despite his age.
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captive |
Keeping wild animals captive is cruel.
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massive |
That footballer is paid a massive amount of money.
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native |
The cooks traveled the world to experience authentic native cuisines.
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attractive |
She found him very attractive.
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extensive |
There was extensive flooding after the rain.
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relative |
My brother is my closest relative.
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sensitive |
He was more sensitive than he let on.
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detective |
The detective was able to solve the case.
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aggressive |
Some wild animals are aggressive.
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Learn more about these words in the Spellzone Main Course: Unit 3. Spelling the consonant sounds, Part 2
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