How to spell special
A Year 3 and 4 statutory spelling word, with the tricky part explained and a tip that makes it stick.
The answer
special
S-P-E-C-I-A-L
The part to watch: spe + cial, with ci saying sh. The underlined letters are the ones most people get wrong.
The tricky part
The "sh" sound in the middle of special is spelt ci. The word ends -al.
Special is one of the words on the Year 3 and 4 list with a -tion, -cial or -cient ending. These words end in -tion, -cial or -cient, where ti or ci usually says "sh": men-tion, spe-cial, an-cient. After an s, as in question, -tion says "chun" instead, but the letters stay the same.
Common mistakes with special
- Wrong: speshalRight: special
- Wrong: specailRight: special
A way to remember it
A special person might be called a specialist: both have ci for the sh sound.
Special in syllables
spe · cial
Special has 2 syllables. Say each one as you write it.
In a sentence
Today is a special day for our class.
Special on the statutory list
Special 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 special, then nine more words from the Year 3 and 4 list, read aloud. It works in your browser.
More words with a -tion, -cial or -cient ending
These words from the Year 3 and 4 list share the same pattern as special.
More words
Questions parents ask
What is the difference between specially and especially?
Specially means for one special purpose: "a cake made specially for you". Especially means above all: "I love fruit, especially grapes." Both keep the ci.
Spelling is one part of the picture
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