4 min - English spelling can be tricky, but patterns exist: Many difficult words follow hidden rules or patterns that you can learn to recognize.
- Practice and repetition are key: Writing words out, breaking them into syllables, and using mnemonic devices can make even the hardest spellings stick.
- Focus on tricky words in small groups: Learning confusing, weirdly spelled, or commonly misspelled words in categories makes spelling practice easier and more effective.
English spelling can be tricky, even for native speakers. Many words aren’t spelled the way they sound, and silent letters or unusual letter combinations can make things even more confusing. On top of that, English borrows words from many other languages, which means spelling rules often have exceptions.
Some words are so commonly misspelled that they trip people up again and again. Others simply have unusual spellings that don’t seem to follow any rules at all. To help ESL students, we’ll look at 20 of the most difficult and weirdest words in English, explain why they’re challenging, and share simple tips to help you remember how to spell them correctly.
Spell Difficult Words Correctly and Confidently.
Before we dive into the list, it’s important to remember that spelling doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right techniques, you can learn to spell words that are spelled weird with confidence. Novakid teachers have broken the words into different categories to make them easier to understand and remember. By learning them step by step, you’ll build your spelling skills in a way that feels manageable and rewarding.
Commonly Misspelled Words
Some words are misspelled so often that they’ve become classics on quizzes. These usually have silent letters, repeated letters, or patterns that don’t follow the usual rules. Learning a few memory tricks can help you spell them correctly every time.
Necessary: If you’ve ever wondered how to spell necessary without mixing up the letters, remember this tip: One Collar, Two Socks. The single “c” and double “s” make it easy to remember.
Rhythm: Figuring out how to spell rhythm correctly can be tricky because it has no vowels except “y.” A fun way to remember it: Rhythm Helps Your Two Hips Move.
Embarrassed: When it comes to spelling embarrassed, the double “r” and double “s” can confuse even good spellers. Think: I was so embarrassed I turned Really Red and Sat Still.
Words With Weird or Confusing Spellings
Some words just look… well, weird! These are often words borrowed from other languages or words where pronunciation doesn’t match the spelling. Understanding their patterns can make them less intimidating.
Weird: Many people struggle to spell weird correctly because it breaks the common “i before e” rule. A good tip: Remember “we” comes first in weird.
Weirdly: As part of the family of weird spelled words, adding “-ly” doesn’t make the base word any easier to spell, so learn weird first, then just tack on the ending.
Conscientious: This is a true test of conscientious spelling. It’s tricky because it has “sci” followed by “enti,” which can be hard to hear when spoken. Break it into chunks: con–sci–en–tious.
These words might look unusual, but with practice, their spelling will start to feel more natural!
Hard Words for Students
Even strong young readers can stumble over certain tricky words. These often have double letters, unusual combinations, or silent letters. By practicing them in short, regular sessions, students can quickly improve their confidence. Plus, learning these words early helps avoid developing bad habits that can stick around into adulthood. Here are some examples:
Beautiful: Common among hard spelling words for 4th graders, this one can be remembered with the phrase: Big Elephants Are Usually Tiny In Forests Under Leaves.
Definitely: This is one of those hard words for nearly EVERY English speaker, even natives! many people mistakenly write “definately.” Think: “It’s definitely finite, so keep the word ‘finite’ in there.”
Separate: Another example from hard spelling words for 5th graders and beyond. Remember: There’s “a rat” in separate.
Other Frequently Confusing Words
Some English words trip people up again and again; even native speakers make these mistakes! While we’ve already mentioned several common weirdly spelled English words, if you continue pn your learning journey, there are more like this that will likely cross your path, such as:
- Restaurant (tricky vowel placement in the middle)
- Accommodate (double c and double m can be hard to remember)
- Occasionally (double c and double l)
- Privilege (misheard and misspelled as “priviledge”)
- Success (double c and double s can be confusing)
- Wednesday (silent “d” in the middle)
- February (the first “r” is often skipped in speech and writing)
- Queue (looks nothing like how it’s pronounced)
- Colonel (pronounced “kernel,” making it extra confusing)
- Yacht (unusual spelling for the sound)
- Pneumonia (silent “p” at the beginning)
Simple strategies to avoid these mistakes
Say it slowly: Pronounce each syllable in your head to match the letters.
Highlight problem letters: When practicing, underline or bold the tricky parts.
Write it multiple times: Repetition helps your brain lock in the correct spelling.
Tips and Tricks for Spelling Difficult Words
We’re nearing the end of the article, but before we wrap up, here are some strategies you can start using right away to make weirdly spelled words much easier! These tips work for both kids and adults, and they can turn spelling practice from something frustrating into a skill you feel confident about.
Break Words into Syllables: Splitting a word into smaller chunks makes it easier to remember the sequence of letters. For example, “con-sci-en-tious” is far less intimidating when broken down.
Use Mnemonic Devices: Create fun phrases to help remember tough spellings, like “One Collar, Two Socks” for necessary.
Try Spelling Apps: Interactive spelling games and flashcards can turn practice into a fun daily routine.
Read More Often: Seeing words in context helps reinforce correct spelling naturally. Over time, your brain starts recognizing patterns without you even realizing it.
💡 For more ideas, check out our other blog: Tips on How to Improve Your Spelling in English.
Practice and Repeat – Repetition is key. Write out tricky words several times a week and test yourself regularly to lock them into memory.
Want to take your learning to the next level? Book a trial lesson with Novakid and get personalized spelling support from expert teachers.
