How to spell leisure
A Year 5 and 6 statutory spelling word, with the tricky part explained and a tip that makes it stick.
The answer
leisure
L-E-I-S-U-R-E
The part to watch: ei, then sure. The underlined letters are the ones most people get wrong.
The tricky part
Leisure has ei, which breaks the "i before e" rhyme. The end is spelt sure, as in "I am sure".
Leisure is one of the words on the Year 5 and 6 list with the letters ei, eigh or ie. The letters ei, eigh and ie can make several sounds. These words have to be learnt as a group, because the sound does not tell you which letters to use.
Common mistakes with leisure
- Wrong: liesureRight: leisure
- Wrong: leasureRight: leisure
A way to remember it
Leisure time is when you are sure to relax: lei + sure.
Leisure in syllables
lei · sure
Leisure has 2 syllables. Say each one as you write it.
In a sentence
Swimming is my favourite leisure activity.
Leisure on the statutory list
Leisure 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 leisure, then nine more words from the Year 5 and 6 list, read aloud. It works in your browser.
More words with the letters ei, eigh or ie
These words from the Year 5 and 6 list share the same pattern as leisure.
More words
Questions parents ask
How do you spell leisurely?
Leisurely is leisure + ly, keeping the e.
Spelling is one part of the picture
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