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How to spell interrupt

A Year 5 and 6 statutory spelling word, with the tricky part explained and a tip that makes it stick.

The answer

interrupt

I-N-T-E-R-R-U-P-T

The part to watch: inter + rupt, so a double r. The underlined letters are the ones most people get wrong.

The tricky part

Interrupt is inter + rupt, so the r at the end of inter meets the r at the start of rupt.

Interrupt is one of the words on the Year 5 and 6 list with a double letter. A consonant is doubled somewhere in the word, and that is the part that goes wrong. Say the word slowly and count the doubles before you write it.

Common mistakes with interrupt

  • Wrong: interuptRight: interrupt

A way to remember it

Inter means between. When you interrupt, you break in between: inter + rupt.

Interrupt in syllables

in · ter · rupt

Interrupt has 3 syllables. Say each one as you write it.

In a sentence

It is rude to interrupt when someone is talking.

Interrupt on the statutory list

Interrupt 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.

See all the Year 5 and 6 words

Test yourself

A short spelling test that starts with interrupt, then nine more words from the Year 5 and 6 list, read aloud. It works in your browser.

More words with a double letter

These words from the Year 5 and 6 list share the same pattern as interrupt.

More words

Questions parents ask

How do you spell interruption?

Interruption is interrupt + ion. It keeps the double r.

Spelling is one part of the picture

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