Improving Your Spelling

It is unfortunate that the English language is one of the toughest to master with regards to spelling. This has to do with the large number of words that have been adopted from other languages and the presence of exceptions to the rules that have been established. In English, there over 1,100 ways in which to spell 44 sound types, this explains the troubles mastering the spelling of different words. However, there are some rules that you can follow to polish your spelling expertise.

A good rule is to read regularly. Simply reading is the most effective way of mastering the spelling of English words because each time you read a particular word your memory of how to spell it improves. This is because spelling has to do with how a word appears on the writing page. Of course, you have to ensure that what you are reading is using the correct spelling.

To increase the benefits of regular reading, you can jot down in a notebook all words that you have problems remembering. rather than reading a list of the routinely misspelled words, you will have your own list that is expressly customized to your needs.

Because spelling is no more than memory work, another method to refine your spelling is to use mnemonics, which are strategies to assist your memory. Mnemonics use images and patterns as a memory aid.

Writing yourself is another way to commit the spelling of a word to your memory. Using the words that you have added to your notebook, you can practice using those words in sentences to make it easier for your brain to retain the proper spelling of those words. However, there are dangers in writing, unlike with reading books. You might commit to your memory the wrong spelling of words. To get around this issue, which will be difficult to counteract further down the track, you need to ensure that as you write the words are correctly spelt. A good way to achieve this is by using a spell checker and another way is to have a friend read through your work.

Lastly, you need to learn the basic rules of spelling, such as using "i" before "e" except after "c." Again, this is simply memory work and enhancement can only be attained through continual practice.

Access ESL grammar help and information on grammar correction software at EnglishGrammarSoft.com.