How to spell answer
A Year 3 and 4 statutory spelling word, with the tricky part explained and a tip that makes it stick.
The answer
answer
A-N-S-W-E-R
The part to watch: a silent w after the s. The underlined letters are the ones most people get wrong.
The tricky part
You say "an-ser", but there is a w after the s that you do not hear. The w was said hundreds of years ago and the spelling kept it.
Answer is one of the words on the Year 3 and 4 list with a silent letter. These words have a letter you write but do not say. Many were said long ago and the spelling kept them.
Common mistakes with answer
- Wrong: anserRight: answer
- Wrong: answereRight: answer
A way to remember it
Sword has a silent w too. Picture a knight who must answer with a sword: both words hide a w after the s.
Answer in syllables
an · swer
Answer has 2 syllables. Say each one as you write it.
In a sentence
Put your hand up if you know the answer.
Answer on the statutory list
Answer 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 answer, then nine more words from the Year 3 and 4 list, read aloud. It works in your browser.
More words with a silent letter
These words from the Year 3 and 4 list share the same pattern as answer.
More words
Questions parents ask
Does answered keep the silent w?
Yes. Answered, answering and answers all keep the w after the s, even though it is never said.
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.