How to spell natural
A Year 3 and 4 statutory spelling word, with the tricky part explained and a tip that makes it stick.
The answer
natural
N-A-T-U-R-A-L
The part to watch: nature + al, so the ch sound is tu. The underlined letters are the ones most people get wrong.
The tricky part
Natural is related to nature, so the "ch" sound is spelt tu. The ending is -al.
Natural is one of the words on the Year 3 and 4 list with tu saying "chu". When t is followed by u in the middle of a word it often says "ch", as in actual and nature. The spelling is t, even though you hear ch.
Common mistakes with natural
- Wrong: natralRight: natural
- Wrong: nateralRight: natural
A way to remember it
Nature, natural: find nature inside natural and the rest follows.
Natural in syllables
nat · u · ral
Natural has 3 syllables. Say each one as you write it.
In a sentence
A rainbow is a natural wonder.
Natural on the statutory list
Natural 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.
Test yourself
A short spelling test that starts with natural, then nine more words from the Year 3 and 4 list, read aloud. It works in your browser.
More words with tu saying "chu"
These words from the Year 3 and 4 list share the same pattern as natural.
More words
Questions parents ask
How do you spell naturally?
Naturally is natural + ly, so it has a double l.
Spelling is one part of the picture
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