How to spell necessary
A Year 5 and 6 statutory spelling word, with the tricky part explained and a tip that makes it stick.
The answer
necessary
N-E-C-E-S-S-A-R-Y
The part to watch: one c, then a double s. The underlined letters are the ones most people get wrong.
The tricky part
Necessary has one c and two s letters. Most mistakes double the c or drop an s.
Necessary is one of the words on the Year 5 and 6 list with a double letter. A consonant is doubled somewhere in the word, and that is the part that goes wrong. Say the word slowly and count the doubles before you write it.
Common mistakes with necessary
- Wrong: neccessaryRight: necessary
- Wrong: necesaryRight: necessary
- Wrong: neccesaryRight: necessary
A way to remember it
It is necessary for a shirt to have one collar and two sleeves: one c, two s letters.
Necessary in syllables
nec · es · sar · y
Necessary has 4 syllables. Say each one as you write it.
In a sentence
It is necessary to wear a helmet when you ride a bike.
Necessary on the statutory list
Necessary 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 necessary, then nine more words from the Year 5 and 6 list, read aloud. It works in your browser.
More words with a double letter
These words from the Year 5 and 6 list share the same pattern as necessary.
More words
Questions parents ask
How do you spell unnecessary?
Unnecessary is un + necessary, so it has a double n at the start as well as one c and a double s.
Spelling is one part of the picture
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