How to spell exercise
A Year 3 and 4 statutory spelling word, with the tricky part explained and a tip that makes it stick.
The answer
exercise
E-X-E-R-C-I-S-E
The part to watch: no c after the x, and a soft c in cise. The underlined letters are the ones most people get wrong.
The tricky part
After ex comes er, with no c. The only c is near the end, where it says s before an i.
Exercise is one of the words on the Year 3 and 4 list with a soft c. The letter c says s when it comes before e, i or y, as in centre, circle and bicycle. Before a, o, u or another consonant it says k.
Common mistakes with exercise
- Wrong: excerciseRight: exercise
- Wrong: exersiseRight: exercise
- Wrong: exercizeRight: exercise
A way to remember it
Exercise: "ex" then "er", then "cise". One c only, and it is in the last part.
Exercise in syllables
ex · er · cise
Exercise has 3 syllables. Say each one as you write it.
In a sentence
Running is good exercise for your heart.
Exercise on the statutory list
Exercise 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 exercise, then nine more words from the Year 3 and 4 list, read aloud. It works in your browser.
More words with a soft c
These words from the Year 3 and 4 list share the same pattern as exercise.
More words
Questions parents ask
How do you spell exercising?
Drop the e of exercise before -ing or -ed: exercising, exercised.
Spelling is one part of the picture
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