How to spell experiment
A Year 3 and 4 statutory spelling word, with the tricky part explained and a tip that makes it stick.
The answer
experiment
E-X-P-E-R-I-M-E-N-T
The part to watch: ex, per, i, ment. The underlined letters are the ones most people get wrong.
The tricky part
Experiment starts the same way as experience, ex-per-i, then ends with ment. People often write "pir" in the middle.
Experiment is one of the words on the Year 3 and 4 list with no single spelling rule. These words follow no single rule. Look, say, cover, write and check them a few times a week until they stick.
Common mistakes with experiment
- Wrong: expirimentRight: experiment
- Wrong: experementRight: experiment
A way to remember it
Experiment and experience are cousins. Both start ex-per-i.
Experiment in syllables
ex · per · i · ment
Experiment has 4 syllables. Say each one as you write it.
In a sentence
In science we did an experiment with magnets.
Experiment on the statutory list
Experiment 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 experiment, then nine more words from the Year 3 and 4 list, read aloud. It works in your browser.
More words to learn by heart
Other words on the Year 3 and 4 list to learn by heart.
More words
Questions parents ask
How do you spell experimental?
Experimental is experiment + al, and experimenting is experiment + ing. Neither changes the root.
Spelling is one part of the picture
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