How to spell symbol
A Year 5 and 6 statutory spelling word, with the tricky part explained and a tip that makes it stick.
The answer
symbol
S-Y-M-B-O-L
The part to watch: y says i, and it ends -bol. The underlined letters are the ones most people get wrong.
The tricky part
Symbol has a y that says a short i. It ends -bol. Cymbal, the musical instrument, sounds the same.
Symbol is one of the words on the Year 5 and 6 list with y doing the job of a vowel. In these words the letter y does the job of a vowel. Usually it says the short i of gym, and sometimes the "eye" of my.
Here the y says i, as in gym.
Common mistakes with symbol
- Wrong: simbolRight: symbol
- Wrong: symbalRight: symbol
A way to remember it
Symbol, system and symmetry all start s, y. The y says i, as it does in gym.
Symbol in syllables
sym · bol
Symbol has 2 syllables. Say each one as you write it.
In a sentence
The dove is a symbol of peace.
Symbol on the statutory list
Symbol 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 symbol, then nine more words from the Year 5 and 6 list, read aloud. It works in your browser.
More words with y doing the job of a vowel
These words from the Year 5 and 6 list share the same pattern as symbol.
More words
Questions parents ask
What is the difference between symbol and cymbal?
They sound the same. A symbol is a sign that stands for something, such as + for add. A cymbal is a round metal instrument you crash in a band.
Spelling is one part of the picture
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