How to spell sufficient
A Year 5 and 6 statutory spelling word, with the tricky part explained and a tip that makes it stick.
The answer
sufficient
S-U-F-F-I-C-I-E-N-T
The part to watch: a double f, and ci says sh. The underlined letters are the ones most people get wrong.
The tricky part
Sufficient has a double f. The "sh" sound is spelt ci, and the end is -ent.
Sufficient is one of the words on the Year 5 and 6 list with a double letter at the start. Many long words begin ac, ag, ap, at, com, cor, im, oc, op, suf or sug with a doubled consonant. Most began as a prefix joined to a root, and the letter doubled where the two met.
Common mistakes with sufficient
- Wrong: sufficentRight: sufficient
- Wrong: suficientRight: sufficient
A way to remember it
Sufficient ends like ancient and efficient: -cient.
Sufficient in syllables
suf · fi · cient
Sufficient has 3 syllables. Say each one as you write it.
In a sentence
We have sufficient food for the whole trip.
Sufficient on the statutory list
Sufficient is on the Year 5 and 6 statutory word list in the national curriculum for England. Children are taught these words in Years 5 and 6, when they are 9 to 11.
Test yourself
A short spelling test that starts with sufficient, then nine more words from the Year 5 and 6 list, read aloud. It works in your browser.
More words with a double letter at the start
These words from the Year 5 and 6 list share the same pattern as sufficient.
More words
Questions parents ask
How do you spell insufficient?
Insufficient is in + sufficient, with the double f and -cient unchanged.
Spelling is one part of the picture
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