How to spell purpose
A Year 3 and 4 statutory spelling word, with the tricky part explained and a tip that makes it stick.
The answer
purpose
P-U-R-P-O-S-E
The part to watch: pur + pose. The underlined letters are the ones most people get wrong.
The tricky part
Purpose starts with pur, spelt u, r. The end sounds like "puss" but is spelt pose, as in a pose for a photo.
Purpose 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 purpose
- Wrong: purposRight: purpose
- Wrong: perposeRight: purpose
A way to remember it
Pur + pose: you strike a pose for a photo on purpose.
Purpose in syllables
pur · pose
Purpose has 2 syllables. Say each one as you write it.
In a sentence
The purpose of a seat belt is to keep you safe.
Purpose on the statutory list
Purpose 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 purpose, 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 purpose.
More words
Questions parents ask
How do you spell purposely and purposeful?
Both keep the e of purpose, because -ly and -ful start with a consonant: purposely, purposeful.
Spelling is one part of the picture
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