How to spell lightning
A Year 5 and 6 statutory spelling word, with the tricky part explained and a tip that makes it stick.
The answer
lightning
L-I-G-H-T-N-I-N-G
The part to watch: light + ning, with no e. The underlined letters are the ones most people get wrong.
The tricky part
Lightning, the flash in a storm, has no e. Lightening, with an e, means making something lighter.
Lightning is one of the words on the Year 5 and 6 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.
A way to remember it
Lightning is fast, so it has no time for an e.
Lightning in syllables
light · ning
Lightning has 2 syllables. Say each one as you write it.
In a sentence
A flash of lightning lit up the sky.
Lightning on the statutory list
Lightning 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 lightning, then nine more words from the Year 5 and 6 list, read aloud. It works in your browser.
More words with a silent letter
These words from the Year 5 and 6 list share the same pattern as lightning.
More words
Questions parents ask
What is the difference between lightning and lightening?
Lightning, with no e, is the flash of light in a storm. Lightening, with an e, means making something lighter, such as lightening a heavy bag or a dark room.
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.