How to spell harass
A Year 5 and 6 statutory spelling word, with the tricky part explained and a tip that makes it stick.
The answer
harass
H-A-R-A-S-S
The part to watch: one r and a double s. The underlined letters are the ones most people get wrong.
The tricky part
Harass has one r and two s letters. Because embarrass has two r letters, people often add one here.
Harass is one of the words on the Year 5 and 6 list with a double letter. A consonant is doubled somewhere in the word, and that is the part that goes wrong. Say the word slowly and count the doubles before you write it.
Common mistakes with harass
- Wrong: harrassRight: harass
- Wrong: harrasRight: harass
A way to remember it
Harass: "one red rose, several sisters", one r and two s letters.
Harass in syllables
ha · rass
Harass has 2 syllables. Say each one as you write it.
In a sentence
It is wrong to harass other people online.
Harass on the statutory list
Harass is on the Year 5 and 6 statutory word list in the national curriculum for England. Children are taught these words in Years 5 and 6, when they are 9 to 11.
Test yourself
A short spelling test that starts with harass, then nine more words from the Year 5 and 6 list, read aloud. It works in your browser.
More words with a double letter
These words from the Year 5 and 6 list share the same pattern as harass.
More words
Questions parents ask
How do you spell harassment?
Harassment is harass + ment: one r, double s.
Spelling is one part of the picture
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