How to Spell Difficult Words Correctly?

ElevatEd
English
January 17, 2025

Learning spellings can be one of the biggest flexes. There are many spellings that people are unaware of. Common spelling mistakes often happen and learning the spellings of difficult words correctly can be a task. Knowing how to spell in the proper way is needed if you want to do well in tests or competitions or even in daily life.

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Spelling difficult words can be tricky, particularly since English frequently sounds different from what it looks like. But over time, you can boost your confidence and get better at spelling using a few useful strategies. These pointers can help you manage some of the most challenging spellings in English and steer clear of frequent errors, whether it's identifying homophones or remembering silent letters.

Learning How to Spell Correctly

With some simple guidelines learning how to spell in the correct manner while avoiding common spelling mistakes can be learnt easily

Browse a dictionary

One of the best resources for proper spelling is a decent dictionary. When in doubt, look up the word in a trustworthy dictionary, either online or in print. This helps you remember how to spell words and makes them more understandable.

Break Down Terms

Certain words appear difficult until you deconstruct them. Divide a word like "unbelievable" into "un-believeable," for instance. You can concentrate on smaller, simpler-to-spell segments of words by looking at them in segments.

Observe Sounds

Listening to a word's sound can help you spell it more easily. The silent "p" in pneumonia, for instance, can be spelled more easily over time by paying attention to how each letter corresponds with the sound.

Understand Suffixes and Prefixes

Many words share prefixes and suffixes, such as un-, -able, and -tion. Understanding these is beneficial for a variety of terms, but it's particularly helpful for spelling lengthier, more complicated words.

Be Aware of Homophones

Although they sound the same, words like their, and they have various spellings and meanings. Many mistakes can be avoided by being aware of the differences and verifying them twice.
Make use of a spell checker
Spellcheckers are useful for rapidly identifying errors. Just keep in mind that they are not flawless and may overlook context-based mistakes, particularly when it comes to homophones.

Examples of Difficult Words to Spell

Let’s know some difficult words to spell and know the reason behind it-

Bologna

Definition: A kind of big sausage that's frequently found in sandwiches.
Pronunciation: It’s pronounced as "Bo-lo-nya," however it's more often pronounced, "ba-lo-nee."
Explanation: The spelling is difficult because the "g" is silent

Pneumonia

Definition: Inflammation of the lungs due to a respiratory illness.
Pronunciation: Pronounce it as "noo-moh-nyuh"
Explanation: The "eu" and silent "p" sounds make things more challenging.

Colonel

Definition: A subordinate military rank.
Pronunciation: The pronunciation of this is "ker-nuhl"
Explanation:

Because the term is French in origin, it does not appear how it sounds.

Wednesday

Definition: The third day of the week, to put it simply.
Pronunciation: This is how you pronounce it: "wenz-day"
Explanation: Spellers may become confused by the silent "d."

Rendezvous

Definition: A location for a meeting or gathering.
Pronunciation: Pronounce it "rahn-day-voo"
Explanation: This French word has strange spelling for English speakers and silent letters.

Although it takes time and practice to learn how to spell complex words, following pointers might help a lot. You'll witness an increase in your confidence if you persevere! To learn spellings correctly, join 98thPercentile’s ELA program and use the 1-week free trial classes.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q.1: Why are spellings hard to learn?

Ans: Silent letters, borrowed words, and contradictory standards make spelling in English difficult.

Q.2: How to quickly learn complex word spellings?

Ans: To accelerate learning, break words down, use mnemonics, practice frequently, and go over challenging patterns

Q.3: Why are English spellings and pronunciations different?

Ans: As English developed from several languages, spelling and pronunciation variations resulted.

Q.4: Name 5 common words with uncommon spelling.

Ans: Definitely, Separate, Embarrass, Necessary, and Chaos are five examples of popular hard words

Q.5: Why learning proper spelling is important?

Ans: Spelling correctly decreases misconceptions, increases credibility, and facilitates better communication.

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How to Spell Difficult Words Correctly?