How to spell apparent
A Year 5 and 6 statutory spelling word, with the tricky part explained and a tip that makes it stick.
The answer
apparent
A-P-P-A-R-E-N-T
The part to watch: a double p, and it ends -ent. The underlined letters are the ones most people get wrong.
The tricky part
Apparent has a double p near the start and only one r. The ending is -ent, not -ant.
Apparent is one of the words on the Year 5 and 6 list with a double letter at the start. Many long words begin ac, ag, ap, at, com, cor, im, oc, op, suf or sug with a doubled consonant. Most began as a prefix joined to a root, and the letter doubled where the two met.
Common mistakes with apparent
- Wrong: apparantRight: apparent
- Wrong: aparentRight: apparent
- Wrong: apparrentRight: apparent
A way to remember it
Apparent has "parent" inside it: ap + parent.
Apparent in syllables
ap · par · ent
Apparent has 3 syllables. Say each one as you write it.
In a sentence
It was apparent that the dog had eaten my homework.
Apparent on the statutory list
Apparent 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 apparent, then nine more words from the Year 5 and 6 list, read aloud. It works in your browser.
More words with a double letter at the start
These words from the Year 5 and 6 list share the same pattern as apparent.
More words
Questions parents ask
How do you spell apparently?
Apparently is apparent + ly: double p, one r, and -ent.
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.