How to spell extreme
A Year 3 and 4 statutory spelling word, with the tricky part explained and a tip that makes it stick.
The answer
extreme
E-X-T-R-E-M-E
The part to watch: e, m, e at the end. The underlined letters are the ones most people get wrong.
The tricky part
The "ee" sound is spelt e, with a silent e after the m. It is not spelt ea.
Extreme is one of the words on the Year 3 and 4 list with a silent e at the end. Each of these words ends in an e you do not hear. Remember to write it, and remember it drops before -ing or -ed: complete, completing, completed.
Common mistakes with extreme
- Wrong: extreamRight: extreme
- Wrong: extremRight: extreme
A way to remember it
Extreme ends like theme: e, m, e.
Extreme in syllables
ex · treme
Extreme has 2 syllables. Say each one as you write it.
In a sentence
Penguins can live in extreme cold.
Extreme on the statutory list
Extreme 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 extreme, then nine more words from the Year 3 and 4 list, read aloud. It works in your browser.
More words with a silent e at the end
These words from the Year 3 and 4 list share the same pattern as extreme.
More words
Questions parents ask
Does extremely keep the e?
Yes. The e of extreme stays before -ly: extremely.
Spelling is one part of the picture
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