How to spell achieve
A Year 5 and 6 statutory spelling word, with the tricky part explained and a tip that makes it stick.
The answer
achieve
A-C-H-I-E-V-E
The part to watch: a + ch + ie + ve. The underlined letters are the ones most people get wrong.
The tricky part
The "ee" sound in achieve is spelt ie. The rhyme "i before e except after c" works here, because the letter before is h.
Achieve is one of the words on the Year 5 and 6 list with the letters ei, eigh or ie. The letters ei, eigh and ie can make several sounds. These words have to be learnt as a group, because the sound does not tell you which letters to use.
Common mistakes with achieve
- Wrong: acheiveRight: achieve
- Wrong: achiveRight: achieve
A way to remember it
Achieve and chief both have ie after ch. A chief achieves great things.
Achieve in syllables
a · chieve
Achieve has 2 syllables. Say each one as you write it.
In a sentence
If you practise every day, you will achieve your goal.
Achieve on the statutory list
Achieve is on the Year 5 and 6 statutory word list in the national curriculum for England. Children are taught these words in Years 5 and 6, when they are 9 to 11.
Test yourself
A short spelling test that starts with achieve, then nine more words from the Year 5 and 6 list, read aloud. It works in your browser.
More words with the letters ei, eigh or ie
These words from the Year 5 and 6 list share the same pattern as achieve.
More words
Questions parents ask
Does achievement keep the e?
Yes. The e of achieve stays before -ment: achievement. It drops before -ing: achieving.
Spelling is one part of the picture
The free diagnostic checks maths, English and both kinds of reasoning, and shows what to practise next. No card is required.