How to spell address
A Year 3 and 4 statutory spelling word, with the tricky part explained and a tip that makes it stick.
The answer
address
A-D-D-R-E-S-S
The part to watch: a double d and a double s. The underlined letters are the ones most people get wrong.
The tricky part
Address has two pairs of double letters: dd near the start and ss at the end. It is easy to write only one d.
Address is one of the words on the Year 3 and 4 list with a double letter. A consonant is doubled somewhere in the word, and that is the part that goes wrong. Say the word slowly and count the doubles before you write it.
Common mistakes with address
- Wrong: adressRight: address
- Wrong: addresRight: address
A way to remember it
Address has a "dress" inside it: ad + dress. The dress brings its own double s.
Address in syllables
ad · dress
Address has 2 syllables. Say each one as you write it.
In a sentence
Write your address on the back of the envelope.
Address on the statutory list
Address is on the Year 3 and 4 statutory word list in the national curriculum for England. Children are taught these words in Years 3 and 4, when they are 7 to 9.
Test yourself
A short spelling test that starts with address, then nine more words from the Year 3 and 4 list, read aloud. It works in your browser.
More words with a double letter
These words from the Year 3 and 4 list share the same pattern as address.
More words
Questions parents ask
What is the plural of address?
Addresses. Address already ends in ss, so it takes -es: one address, two addresses.
Spelling is one part of the picture
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