How to spell possess
A Year 3 and 4 statutory spelling word, with the tricky part explained and a tip that makes it stick.
The answer
possess
P-O-S-S-E-S-S
The part to watch: two double s pairs (po-ss-e-ss). The underlined letters are the ones most people get wrong.
The tricky part
Possess has four s letters in two pairs. The first pair is easy to forget.
Possess is one of the words on the Year 3 and 4 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 possess
- Wrong: posessRight: possess
- Wrong: possesssRight: possess
A way to remember it
Possess has two sets of ss, like two pairs of shoes you possess.
Possess in syllables
pos · sess
Possess has 2 syllables. Say each one as you write it.
In a sentence
Do you possess a library card?
Possess on the statutory list
Possess is on the Year 3 and 4 statutory word list in the national curriculum for England, printed there as possess(ion). Children are taught these words in Years 3 and 4, when they are 7 to 9.
From the same entry
Test yourself
A short spelling test that starts with possess, then nine more words from the Year 3 and 4 list, read aloud. It works in your browser.
More words with a double letter
These words from the Year 3 and 4 list share the same pattern as possess.
More words
Questions parents ask
How do you spell possessive?
Possessive is possess + ive, keeping both pairs of s: p-o-s-s-e-s-s-i-v-e.
Spelling is one part of the picture
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