How to spell actual
A Year 3 and 4 statutory spelling word, with the tricky part explained and a tip that makes it stick.
The answer
actual
A-C-T-U-A-L
The part to watch: the ch sound is spelt tu. The underlined letters are the ones most people get wrong.
The tricky part
When you say actual, the middle sounds like "ch", as in "ak-choo-al". It is spelt with a t, followed by u, then al.
Actual is one of the words on the Year 3 and 4 list with tu saying "chu". When t is followed by u in the middle of a word it often says "ch", as in actual and nature. The spelling is t, even though you hear ch.
A way to remember it
Actual has "act" at the start. An actual thing is a real one, something that happens, like an act.
Actual in syllables
ac · tu · al
Actual has 3 syllables. Say each one as you write it.
In a sentence
The actual size of the spider was much smaller than I feared.
Actual on the statutory list
Actual is on the Year 3 and 4 statutory word list in the national curriculum for England, printed there as actual(ly). Children are taught these words in Years 3 and 4, when they are 7 to 9.
From the same entry
Test yourself
A short spelling test that starts with actual, then nine more words from the Year 3 and 4 list, read aloud. It works in your browser.
More words with tu saying "chu"
These words from the Year 3 and 4 list share the same pattern as actual.
More words
Questions parents ask
When do you use actual and when actually?
Actual describes a noun: "the actual size". Actually describes a verb or a whole sentence: "it actually stayed sunny". Add -ly to actual and keep both l letters.
Spelling is one part of the picture
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