How to spell profession
A Year 5 and 6 statutory spelling word, with the tricky part explained and a tip that makes it stick.
The answer
profession
P-R-O-F-E-S-S-I-O-N
The part to watch: one f, then a double s. The underlined letters are the ones most people get wrong.
The tricky part
Profession has one f and a double s. People often double the f instead.
Profession 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 profession
- Wrong: proffessionRight: profession
- Wrong: profesionRight: profession
A way to remember it
Profession is profess + ion: one f, then ss, as in confess.
Profession in syllables
pro · fes · sion
Profession has 3 syllables. Say each one as you write it.
In a sentence
Teaching is a rewarding profession.
Profession on the statutory list
Profession 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 profession, 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 profession.
More words
Questions parents ask
How do you spell professional?
Professional is profession + al: one f, double s.
Spelling is one part of the picture
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