How to spell promise
A Year 3 and 4 statutory spelling word, with the tricky part explained and a tip that makes it stick.
The answer
promise
P-R-O-M-I-S-E
The part to watch: it ends -ise, but says "iss". The underlined letters are the ones most people get wrong.
The tricky part
The end of promise sounds like "iss", but it is spelt ise with a silent e.
Promise is one of the words on the Year 3 and 4 list with a silent e at the end. Each of these words ends in an e you do not hear. Remember to write it, and remember it drops before -ing or -ed: complete, completing, completed.
Common mistakes with promise
- Wrong: promisRight: promise
- Wrong: promissRight: promise
A way to remember it
Say it in your spelling voice as "prom-eyes", so you remember the i, s and e at the end.
Promise in syllables
prom · ise
Promise has 2 syllables. Say each one as you write it.
In a sentence
I promise to tidy my room.
Promise on the statutory list
Promise 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 promise, then nine more words from the Year 3 and 4 list, read aloud. It works in your browser.
More words with a silent e at the end
These words from the Year 3 and 4 list share the same pattern as promise.
More words
Questions parents ask
How do you spell promising?
Drop the e of promise before -ing or -ed: promising, promised.
Spelling is one part of the picture
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