How to spell circle
A Year 3 and 4 statutory spelling word, with the tricky part explained and a tip that makes it stick.
The answer
circle
C-I-R-C-L-E
The part to watch: two c letters making two different sounds. The underlined letters are the ones most people get wrong.
The tricky part
The first c says s because an i follows it. The second c says k because an l follows it. The word ends -le.
Circle is one of the words on the Year 3 and 4 list with a soft c. The letter c says s when it comes before e, i or y, as in centre, circle and bicycle. Before a, o, u or another consonant it says k.
Common mistakes with circle
- Wrong: circelRight: circle
- Wrong: sircleRight: circle
A way to remember it
A circle has a c at each side of the ir, like two curves meeting.
Circle in syllables
cir · cle
Circle has 2 syllables. Say each one as you write it.
In a sentence
Draw a circle around the right answer.
Circle on the statutory list
Circle 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 circle, then nine more words from the Year 3 and 4 list, read aloud. It works in your browser.
More words with a soft c
These words from the Year 3 and 4 list share the same pattern as circle.
More words
Questions parents ask
How do you spell circular?
Circular means shaped like a circle. The -le of circle changes to -ular: c-i-r-c-u-l-a-r.
Spelling is one part of the picture
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