How to spell system
A Year 5 and 6 statutory spelling word, with the tricky part explained and a tip that makes it stick.
The answer
system
S-Y-S-T-E-M
The part to watch: y says i, and it ends -tem. The underlined letters are the ones most people get wrong.
The tricky part
System has a y that says a short i, and ends -tem.
System 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 system
- Wrong: sistemRight: system
- Wrong: systomRight: system
A way to remember it
The y in system says i, as it does in gym. System and symbol both start s, y.
System in syllables
sys · tem
System has 2 syllables. Say each one as you write it.
In a sentence
The solar system has eight planets.
System on the statutory list
System 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 system, 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 system.
More words
Questions parents ask
How do you spell systematic?
Systematic is system + atic, keeping the y.
Spelling is one part of the picture
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