How to spell persuade
A Year 5 and 6 statutory spelling word, with the tricky part explained and a tip that makes it stick.
The answer
persuade
P-E-R-S-U-A-D-E
The part to watch: per + suade. The underlined letters are the ones most people get wrong.
The tricky part
Persuade starts per, not pur. The u after the s makes a "w" sound: "per-swade".
Persuade is one of the words on the Year 5 and 6 list with no single spelling rule. These words follow no single rule. Look, say, cover, write and check them a few times a week until they stick.
Common mistakes with persuade
- Wrong: pursuadeRight: persuade
- Wrong: persaudeRight: persuade
- Wrong: perswadeRight: persuade
A way to remember it
Persuade and perhaps both start per.
Persuade in syllables
per · suade
Persuade has 2 syllables. Say each one as you write it.
In a sentence
Can you persuade your dad to let us stay up late?
Persuade on the statutory list
Persuade 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 persuade, then nine more words from the Year 5 and 6 list, read aloud. It works in your browser.
More words to learn by heart
Other words on the Year 5 and 6 list to learn by heart.
More words
Questions parents ask
How do you spell persuasion?
The de of persuade changes to s before -ion and -ive: persuasion, persuasive.
Spelling is one part of the picture
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