How to spell different
A Year 3 and 4 statutory spelling word, with the tricky part explained and a tip that makes it stick.
The answer
different
D-I-F-F-E-R-E-N-T
The part to watch: a double f, and e twice after it. The underlined letters are the ones most people get wrong.
The tricky part
Different has two f letters. Quick speech also swallows the middle e, so people write "diffrent". It ends -ent.
Different 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 different
- Wrong: diffrentRight: different
- Wrong: diferentRight: different
- Wrong: differantRight: different
A way to remember it
Say it in three parts: dif, fer, ent. Each part ends with a consonant you can hear.
Different in syllables
dif · fer · ent
Different has 3 syllables. Say each one as you write it. Often said in two beats, "diff-rent". Saying all three helps you remember the middle e.
In a sentence
Every snowflake has a different shape.
Different on the statutory list
Different 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 different, 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 different.
More words
Questions parents ask
How do you spell difference?
Difference is the noun from different. The -ent changes to -ence, and the double f stays.
Spelling is one part of the picture
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