How to spell individual
A Year 5 and 6 statutory spelling word, with the tricky part explained and a tip that makes it stick.
The answer
individual
I-N-D-I-V-I-D-U-A-L
The part to watch: in + divid + ual. The underlined letters are the ones most people get wrong.
The tricky part
Individual has three i letters in its first half, then -ual. The d before u sounds like "j".
Individual 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 individual
- Wrong: indivdualRight: individual
- Wrong: individuleRight: individual
A way to remember it
An individual cannot be divided: in + divid + ual.
Individual in syllables
in · di · vid · u · al
Individual has 5 syllables. Say each one as you write it.
In a sentence
Each individual in the team has a job to do.
Individual on the statutory list
Individual 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 individual, 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 individually?
Individually is individual + ly, so it has a double l.
Spelling is one part of the picture
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