How to spell difficult
A Year 3 and 4 statutory spelling word, with the tricky part explained and a tip that makes it stick.
The answer
difficult
D-I-F-F-I-C-U-L-T
The part to watch: a double f, then a c that says k. The underlined letters are the ones most people get wrong.
The tricky part
Difficult has two f letters. The k sound near the end is spelt c.
Difficult 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 difficult
- Wrong: dificultRight: difficult
- Wrong: difficaltRight: difficult
A way to remember it
Chant it like Matilda's class in the Roald Dahl story: "Mrs D, Mrs I, Mrs F F I, Mrs C, Mrs U, Mrs L T".
Difficult in syllables
dif · fi · cult
Difficult has 3 syllables. Say each one as you write it.
In a sentence
The last question was very difficult.
Difficult on the statutory list
Difficult 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 difficult, 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 difficult.
More words
Questions parents ask
How do you spell difficulty?
Difficulty is difficult + y. The plural is difficulties, because the y changes to i before -es.
Spelling is one part of the picture
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