How to spell reign
A Year 3 and 4 statutory spelling word, with the tricky part explained and a tip that makes it stick.
The answer
reign
R-E-I-G-N
The part to watch: ei says "ay", and a silent g. The underlined letters are the ones most people get wrong.
The tricky part
Reign sounds like rain, but it is spelt ei with a silent g. It means the time a king or queen rules.
Reign is one of the words on the Year 3 and 4 list with the letters ei, eigh or ie. The letters ei, eigh and ie can make several sounds. These words have to be learnt as a group, because the sound does not tell you which letters to use.
A way to remember it
A king reigns: reign and sovereign both have ei and a silent g.
Reign in syllables
reign
Reign has one syllable, so learn it as a whole word.
In a sentence
The king's reign lasted forty years.
Reign on the statutory list
Reign 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 reign, then nine more words from the Year 3 and 4 list, read aloud. It works in your browser.
More words with the letters ei, eigh or ie
These words from the Year 3 and 4 list share the same pattern as reign.
More words
Questions parents ask
What is the difference between reign, rain and rein?
All three sound the same. Reign is the time a king or queen rules. Rain falls from clouds. A rein is a strap used to steer a horse.
Spelling is one part of the picture
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