How to spell interfere
A Year 5 and 6 statutory spelling word, with the tricky part explained and a tip that makes it stick.
The answer
interfere
I-N-T-E-R-F-E-R-E
The part to watch: inter + fere, ending -ere. The underlined letters are the ones most people get wrong.
The tricky part
Interfere is inter + fere. The ending sounds like "fear", but it is spelt -fere.
Interfere 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 interfere
- Wrong: interfearRight: interfere
- Wrong: interferRight: interfere
A way to remember it
Interfere ends like here, mere and sphere: e, r, e.
Interfere in syllables
in · ter · fere
Interfere has 3 syllables. Say each one as you write it.
In a sentence
Please do not interfere while I am concentrating.
Interfere on the statutory list
Interfere 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 interfere, 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 interference?
Drop the e of interfere before -ence: interference.
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