How to spell important
A Year 3 and 4 statutory spelling word, with the tricky part explained and a tip that makes it stick.
The answer
important
I-M-P-O-R-T-A-N-T
The part to watch: it ends -ant, not -ent. The underlined letters are the ones most people get wrong.
The tricky part
The last part sounds like "tunt". It is spelt -ant, with an a.
Important is one of the words on the Year 3 and 4 list with an -ant, -ance, -ent or -ence ending. The endings -ant and -ent sound almost the same, and so do -ance and -ence. The only reliable way is to learn which one each word takes.
Common mistakes with important
- Wrong: importentRight: important
- Wrong: importintRight: important
A way to remember it
Importance ends -ance, so important ends -ant: the two words keep the a together.
Important in syllables
im · por · tant
Important has 3 syllables. Say each one as you write it.
In a sentence
It is important to wash your hands.
Important on the statutory list
Important 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 important, then nine more words from the Year 3 and 4 list, read aloud. It works in your browser.
More words with an -ant, -ance, -ent or -ence ending
These words from the Year 3 and 4 list share the same pattern as important.
More words
Questions parents ask
How do you spell importance?
Importance is the noun from important. The -ant changes to -ance, so both keep the a.
Spelling is one part of the picture
The free diagnostic checks maths, English and both kinds of reasoning, and shows what to practise next. No card is required.