How to spell increase
A Year 3 and 4 statutory spelling word, with the tricky part explained and a tip that makes it stick.
The answer
increase
I-N-C-R-E-A-S-E
The part to watch: ea in the middle, and a silent e at the end. The underlined letters are the ones most people get wrong.
The tricky part
The "ee" sound is spelt ea, and there is a silent e at the end after the s.
Increase is one of the words on the Year 3 and 4 list with a silent e at the end. Each of these words ends in an e you do not hear. Remember to write it, and remember it drops before -ing or -ed: complete, completing, completed.
Common mistakes with increase
- Wrong: increseRight: increase
- Wrong: increaceRight: increase
A way to remember it
Increase ends like crease, the fold in your trousers: in + crease.
Increase in syllables
in · crease
Increase has 2 syllables. Say each one as you write it.
In a sentence
The price of sweets may increase next year.
Increase on the statutory list
Increase 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 increase, then nine more words from the Year 3 and 4 list, read aloud. It works in your browser.
More words with a silent e at the end
These words from the Year 3 and 4 list share the same pattern as increase.
More words
Questions parents ask
How do you spell increasing?
Drop the e of increase before -ing or -ed: increasing, increased.
Spelling is one part of the picture
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