How to spell strange
A Year 3 and 4 statutory spelling word, with the tricky part explained and a tip that makes it stick.
The answer
strange
S-T-R-A-N-G-E
The part to watch: the silent e makes the a say "ay". The underlined letters are the ones most people get wrong.
The tricky part
The e at the end of strange is silent. It makes the a say its name and makes the g sound soft, like j.
Strange 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 strange
- Wrong: straingeRight: strange
- Wrong: strangRight: strange
A way to remember it
Strange ends like change and range: a, n, g, e.
Strange in syllables
strange
Strange has one syllable, so learn it as a whole word.
In a sentence
A strange light shone in the woods.
Strange on the statutory list
Strange 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 strange, 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 strange.
More words
Questions parents ask
How do you spell stranger?
Drop the e of strange before -er and -est: stranger, strangest. Strangely keeps it.
Spelling is one part of the picture
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