How to spell naughty
A Year 3 and 4 statutory spelling word, with the tricky part explained and a tip that makes it stick.
The answer
naughty
N-A-U-G-H-T-Y
The part to watch: augh says "or", and it ends -ty. The underlined letters are the ones most people get wrong.
The tricky part
Naughty sounds like "norty", but the "or" sound is spelt augh, as in caught.
Naughty is one of the words on the Year 3 and 4 list with the letters ough or augh. The letters ough make at least five different sounds, and augh often says "or". Learn these words by sight, as a family.
Common mistakes with naughty
- Wrong: nautyRight: naughty
A way to remember it
A naughty child was caught: both have augh.
Naughty in syllables
naugh · ty
Naughty has 2 syllables. Say each one as you write it.
In a sentence
The naughty puppy chewed my slipper.
Naughty on the statutory list
Naughty 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 naughty, then nine more words from the Year 3 and 4 list, read aloud. It works in your browser.
More words with the letters ough or augh
These words from the Year 3 and 4 list share the same pattern as naughty.
More words
Questions parents ask
How do you spell naughtier?
The y of naughty changes to i before -er and -est: naughtier, naughtiest.
Spelling is one part of the picture
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