How to spell develop
A Year 5 and 6 statutory spelling word, with the tricky part explained and a tip that makes it stick.
The answer
develop
D-E-V-E-L-O-P
The part to watch: no e at the end. The underlined letters are the ones most people get wrong.
The tricky part
Develop ends with op and no e. Envelope has an e, and that is where the mistake comes from.
Develop is one of the words on the Year 5 and 6 list with no single spelling rule. These words follow no single rule. Look, say, cover, write and check them a few times a week until they stick.
Common mistakes with develop
- Wrong: developeRight: develop
- Wrong: devolopRight: develop
A way to remember it
Develop ends with p. Envelope, the thing you post a letter in, is the one with an e.
Develop in syllables
de · vel · op
Develop has 3 syllables. Say each one as you write it.
In a sentence
Tadpoles develop into frogs.
Develop on the statutory list
Develop 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 develop, then nine more words from the Year 5 and 6 list, read aloud. It works in your browser.
More words to learn by heart
Other words on the Year 5 and 6 list to learn by heart.
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Questions parents ask
Does developed have a double p?
No. The beat of develop falls on "vel", not on the last part, so the p does not double: developed, developing.
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