How to spell possible
A Year 3 and 4 statutory spelling word, with the tricky part explained and a tip that makes it stick.
The answer
possible
P-O-S-S-I-B-L-E
The part to watch: a double s, and it ends -ible. The underlined letters are the ones most people get wrong.
The tricky part
Possible has a double s. It ends -ible, not -able.
Possible 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 possible
- Wrong: posibleRight: possible
- Wrong: possableRight: possible
A way to remember it
If it is not possible, it is impossible: the -ible stays in both.
Possible in syllables
pos · si · ble
Possible has 3 syllables. Say each one as you write it.
In a sentence
Is it possible to swim across the lake?
Possible on the statutory list
Possible 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 possible, 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 possible.
More words
Questions parents ask
How do you spell possibly?
The -ible of possible changes to -ibly: possibly. Impossible is im + possible.
Spelling is one part of the picture
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