How to spell identity
A Year 5 and 6 statutory spelling word, with the tricky part explained and a tip that makes it stick.
The answer
identity
I-D-E-N-T-I-T-Y
The part to watch: i + den + ti + ty. The underlined letters are the ones most people get wrong.
The tricky part
Identity is spelt the way it sounds when you say it slowly. The vowel after d is e, and after t is i.
Identity is one of the words on the Year 5 and 6 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 identity
- Wrong: identidyRight: identity
- Wrong: idenityRight: identity
A way to remember it
Identity is related to identical: both start i, d, e, n, t.
Identity in syllables
i · den · ti · ty
Identity has 4 syllables. Say each one as you write it.
In a sentence
The spy kept her real identity a secret.
Identity on the statutory list
Identity 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 identity, then nine more words from the Year 5 and 6 list, read aloud. It works in your browser.
More words to learn by heart
Other words on the Year 5 and 6 list to learn by heart.
More words
Questions parents ask
How do you spell identify and identical?
Identify ends -ify and identical ends -ical. Like identity, both start i-d-e-n-t.
Spelling is one part of the picture
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