How to spell believe
A Year 3 and 4 statutory spelling word, with the tricky part explained and a tip that makes it stick.
The answer
believe
B-E-L-I-E-V-E
The part to watch: a lie in the middle (be-lie-ve). The underlined letters are the ones most people get wrong.
The tricky part
The "ee" sound in the middle is spelt ie. People often swap the letters and write ei.
Believe is one of the words on the Year 3 and 4 list with the letters ei, eigh or ie. The letters ei, eigh and ie can make several sounds. These words have to be learnt as a group, because the sound does not tell you which letters to use.
Common mistakes with believe
- Wrong: beleiveRight: believe
- Wrong: beliveRight: believe
A way to remember it
Never believe a lie: there is a "lie" in the middle of believe.
Believe in syllables
be · lieve
Believe has 2 syllables. Say each one as you write it.
In a sentence
I believe you can climb to the top.
Believe on the statutory list
Believe 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 believe, then nine more words from the Year 3 and 4 list, read aloud. It works in your browser.
More words with the letters ei, eigh or ie
These words from the Year 3 and 4 list share the same pattern as believe.
More words
Questions parents ask
How do you spell belief?
Belief is the noun: "I have a strong belief." It keeps the ie, and the ve of believe becomes f.
Spelling is one part of the picture
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