Skip to main content

How to spell knowledge

A Year 3 and 4 statutory spelling word, with the tricky part explained and a tip that makes it stick.

The answer

knowledge

K-N-O-W-L-E-D-G-E

The part to watch: know + ledge, with a silent k. The underlined letters are the ones most people get wrong.

The tricky part

Knowledge starts with a silent k, from know. The end is spelt edge, with a d people often miss.

Knowledge is one of the words on the Year 3 and 4 list with a silent letter. These words have a letter you write but do not say. Many were said long ago and the spelling kept them.

Common mistakes with knowledge

  • Wrong: knowlegeRight: knowledge
  • Wrong: nowledgeRight: knowledge

A way to remember it

Knowledge is know + ledge. Put what you know on a ledge.

Knowledge in syllables

knowl · edge

Knowledge has 2 syllables. Say each one as you write it.

In a sentence

A quiz tests your general knowledge.

Knowledge on the statutory list

Knowledge 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.

See all the Year 3 and 4 words

Test yourself

A short spelling test that starts with knowledge, then nine more words from the Year 3 and 4 list, read aloud. It works in your browser.

More words with a silent letter

These words from the Year 3 and 4 list share the same pattern as knowledge.

More words

Questions parents ask

How do you spell knowledgeable?

Knowledgeable keeps the e of knowledge before -able, so the g stays soft: k-n-o-w-l-e-d-g-e-a-b-l-e.

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.