Spelling rule: i before except after c

Spelling rule : i before e, or e before i?

Spelling rules aren't a lot of use. Usually they are far too complicated. But here is one that works quite well - as long as you remember the whole rule:
When you want to say -ee-
it's i before e except after c.Try to remember always to say the start of the rule: When you want to say ee ....
1. Work at the rule by separating the following words into two groups and writing them in the boxes below.

brief ceiling perceive thief field deceive achieve receipt piece conceited relief chief diesel receive
i before e	e before i

However, when you add -s to words like policy, vacancy and
agency, you follow the normal rule for words ending in -y:

Change the -y to -ie- and add -spolicy + s = policies vacancy + s = vacancies

Notice also, two common exceptions to the i before e rule: protein seize
You may also see "I before E except when you run a feisty heist on a weird neighbour," quoted to prove that the rule doesn't work but you'll notice that none of the "ei"s actually says "ee"! So the rule does work!

2. Now memorize the focus words and test yourself on them.

3. Go to a wordsearch, a hangman puzzle or a crossword puzzle for some more practice

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<--- Click the appropriate link on the left for my list of recommended spelling books available from Amazon. Roger.

Spelling it Right

Roger Smith

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Click here for:

USA Spelling Books
UK Spelling Books

List of exercises
Advice
Home Page
Contact us

Focus words

believe

field

thief

relief

priest

receive

ceiling

deceive

conceited

receipt