How to spell guard
A Year 3 and 4 statutory spelling word, with the tricky part explained and a tip that makes it stick.
The answer
guard
G-U-A-R-D
The part to watch: g + u + ard, with the u silent. The underlined letters are the ones most people get wrong.
The tricky part
You say "gard", but there is a u after the g that you do not hear.
Guard is one of the words on the Year 3 and 4 list with a silent letter. These words have a letter you write but do not say. Many were said long ago and the spelling kept them.
Common mistakes with guard
- Wrong: gardRight: guard
- Wrong: gaurdRight: guard
A way to remember it
The u stands guard next to the g, silent, like a guard on duty.
Guard in syllables
guard
Guard has one syllable, so learn it as a whole word.
In a sentence
A dog can guard the house at night.
Guard on the statutory list
Guard 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 guard, then nine more words from the Year 3 and 4 list, read aloud. It works in your browser.
More words with a silent letter
These words from the Year 3 and 4 list share the same pattern as guard.
More words
Questions parents ask
Does guardian keep the silent u?
Yes. Guardian is guard + ian, and the u after the g stays.
Spelling is one part of the picture
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