How to spell enough
A Year 3 and 4 statutory spelling word, with the tricky part explained and a tip that makes it stick.
The answer
enough
E-N-O-U-G-H
The part to watch: ough says "uff". The underlined letters are the ones most people get wrong.
The tricky part
You hear "enuff", but the "uff" is spelt ough, just like rough and tough.
Enough is one of the words on the Year 3 and 4 list with the letters ough or augh. The letters ough make at least five different sounds, and augh often says "or". Learn these words by sight, as a family.
Common mistakes with enough
- Wrong: enufRight: enough
- Wrong: enoghRight: enough
A way to remember it
Enough rhymes with rough and tough, and all three end in ough.
Enough in syllables
e · nough
Enough has 2 syllables. Say each one as you write it.
In a sentence
Is there enough cake for everyone?
Enough on the statutory list
Enough 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 enough, then nine more words from the Year 3 and 4 list, read aloud. It works in your browser.
More words with the letters ough or augh
These words from the Year 3 and 4 list share the same pattern as enough.
More words
Questions parents ask
Is enuf ever correct?
Only in very informal messages. In writing, always use enough, which ends like rough and tough.
Spelling is one part of the picture
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