How to spell appear
A Year 3 and 4 statutory spelling word, with the tricky part explained and a tip that makes it stick.
The answer
appear
A-P-P-E-A-R
The part to watch: a double p, then ear. The underlined letters are the ones most people get wrong.
The tricky part
Appear has two p letters, but you only hear one. The end is spelt ear, like the ear on your head.
Appear 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 appear
- Wrong: apearRight: appear
- Wrong: appeerRight: appear
A way to remember it
Things that appear, pop into view: two p letters, like "pop".
Appear in syllables
ap · pear
Appear has 2 syllables. Say each one as you write it.
In a sentence
Stars appear in the sky when it gets dark.
Appear on the statutory list
Appear 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 appear, 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 appear.
More words
Questions parents ask
How do you spell appearance?
Appearance is appear + ance. It keeps the double p and ends -ance, not -ence.
Spelling is one part of the picture
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