How to spell available
A Year 5 and 6 statutory spelling word, with the tricky part explained and a tip that makes it stick.
The answer
available
A-V-A-I-L-A-B-L-E
The part to watch: avail + able. The underlined letters are the ones most people get wrong.
The tricky part
Available is avail + able, so it ends -able, not -ible. The ai in the middle is where the "ay" sound goes.
Available is one of the words on the Year 5 and 6 list with a smaller word behind it. Each of these words is built from, or related to, a smaller word you may already know. Find the smaller word and most of the spelling follows.
Common mistakes with available
- Wrong: availibleRight: available
- Wrong: avaliableRight: available
A way to remember it
If a seat is available, you are able to take it: avail + able.
Available in syllables
a · vail · a · ble
Available has 4 syllables. Say each one as you write it.
In a sentence
Tickets for the show are available at the door.
Available on the statutory list
Available 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 available, then nine more words from the Year 5 and 6 list, read aloud. It works in your browser.
More words with a smaller word behind it
These words from the Year 5 and 6 list share the same pattern as available.
More words
Questions parents ask
How do you spell availability?
The -able of available changes to -ability: availability.
Spelling is one part of the picture
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