How to spell grammar
A Year 3 and 4 statutory spelling word, with the tricky part explained and a tip that makes it stick.
The answer
grammar
G-R-A-M-M-A-R
The part to watch: a double m, and it ends -ar. The underlined letters are the ones most people get wrong.
The tricky part
Grammar ends -ar, not -er, which is the mistake almost everyone makes. It also has a double m.
Grammar is one of the words on the Year 3 and 4 list with an -ar ending. These words end in a sound like "er", but it is spelt -ar. Saying the ending as "ar" while you write it helps.
Common mistakes with grammar
- Wrong: grammerRight: grammar
- Wrong: gramarRight: grammar
A way to remember it
Split it into gram + mar. Each half has an a in the middle, and there is no e anywhere.
Grammar in syllables
gram · mar
Grammar has 2 syllables. Say each one as you write it.
In a sentence
We are learning about grammar in English.
Grammar on the statutory list
Grammar 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 grammar, then nine more words from the Year 3 and 4 list, read aloud. It works in your browser.
More words with an -ar ending
These words from the Year 3 and 4 list share the same pattern as grammar.
More words
Questions parents ask
How do you spell grammatical?
Grammatical keeps the double m of grammar: g-r-a-m-m-a-t-i-c-a-l. The r at the end of grammar becomes tical.
Spelling is one part of the picture
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