How to spell early
A Year 3 and 4 statutory spelling word, with the tricky part explained and a tip that makes it stick.
The answer
early
E-A-R-L-Y
The part to watch: ear + ly, with ear saying "ur". The underlined letters are the ones most people get wrong.
The tricky part
The "ur" sound at the start is spelt ear, as in learn and earth.
Early is one of the words on the Year 3 and 4 list with the letters ear. The letters ear do not always say "ear". In early, earth, heard and learn they say "ur", and in heart they say "ar".
Common mistakes with early
- Wrong: erlyRight: early
- Wrong: urlyRight: early
A way to remember it
Early starts with "ear". Get up early and your ears hear the birds.
Early in syllables
ear · ly
Early has 2 syllables. Say each one as you write it.
In a sentence
We got up early to watch the sunrise.
Early on the statutory list
Early 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 early, then nine more words from the Year 3 and 4 list, read aloud. It works in your browser.
More words with the letters ear
These words from the Year 3 and 4 list share the same pattern as early.
More words
Questions parents ask
How do you spell earlier and earliest?
The y of early changes to i before -er and -est: earlier, earliest.
Spelling is one part of the picture
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