How to spell exaggerate
A Year 5 and 6 statutory spelling word, with the tricky part explained and a tip that makes it stick.
The answer
exaggerate
E-X-A-G-G-E-R-A-T-E
The part to watch: a double g, and one x. The underlined letters are the ones most people get wrong.
The tricky part
Exaggerate has a double g. People often double the wrong letter or drop one g.
Exaggerate is one of the words on the Year 5 and 6 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 exaggerate
- Wrong: exagerateRight: exaggerate
- Wrong: exaggarateRight: exaggerate
A way to remember it
When you exaggerate, you make things bigger, so the g is doubled.
Exaggerate in syllables
ex · ag · ger · ate
Exaggerate has 4 syllables. Say each one as you write it.
In a sentence
Do not exaggerate: the fish was not as big as a shark.
Exaggerate on the statutory list
Exaggerate 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 exaggerate, then nine more words from the Year 5 and 6 list, read aloud. It works in your browser.
More words with a double letter
These words from the Year 5 and 6 list share the same pattern as exaggerate.
More words
Questions parents ask
How do you spell exaggeration?
Drop the e of exaggerate before -ion: exaggeration. The double g stays.
Spelling is one part of the picture
The free diagnostic checks maths, English and both kinds of reasoning, and shows what to practise next. No card is required.