SPELLING RULES (1)


SPELLING RULES (1)
Knowing and obeying spelling rules in writing and speaking help us in the following ways:
 (1) Take confusion out of spellings by demonstrating patterns among seemingly unrelated words;
(2) Show connections between unfamiliar words and those we already know;
(3) Help us to identify specific speech patterns that can offer inkling as to how a word is spelt; and
(4) Explain how new words are built using prefixes and suffixes.
Spelling Rules
          Some grammarians have proposed about 20 rules, and others have proposed even up to 30 rules on spelling.  But a closer look at them shows that some of these rules are merely repeating aspects of each other.
          For purpose of easier understanding, I am going categorise the spelling rules into eight (8), and we are going to discuss the first rule in this edition.
Spelling Rule No. 1:
The Letter ‘Q’ is Always Followed by ‘U’.
          This rule provides that ‘q’ is always followed by ‘u’ in the English Language.  With application of this rule, we can always be guided in spelling words with initial ‘q’ correctly.
          Let us now consider some words of various lengths which start with ‘q’ and see how the consistency of the applicable rule, could help us ensure correctness of spelling (of such words).
Some Four-Letter Words Starting With ‘Q’:
Quiz
Quad
Quern
Quay
Quid
Quip
Quit
Quod

Some Five-Letter Words Starting With ‘Q’:
          Queen
Quack
Quail
Quake
Quart
Quasi
Quell
Query
Quest
Queue
Quick
Quiet
Quote
Some Six-Letter Words Starting With ‘Q’:
          Quiver
Quorum
          Quarry
          Quarto
Quartz
Quince
Some Seven-Letter Words Starting With ‘Q’:
            Quarter
Quartet
Qualify
Quality
Quickly
        quinine
Some Eight-Letter Words Starting With ‘Q’:
        Quagmire
          quantify
Quantity
Quarters
Quietism
Quietude
Some Nine-Letter Words Starting With ‘Q’:
Quintuple
Quirkiest
Quittance
Quizzical
Quarterly
Qualified
Some Ten-Letter Words Starting With ‘Q’:
          Quantifier
Quarantine
          Quintuplet
Quizmaster
Quaternary
Some Other Longer Words Starting With ‘Q’:
          Quarterback
          Quarrelsome
Quantifiable
Quintessence
Qualification
Quartermaster
Quadruplicate
Quintessential
Note: The above-listed words are just a sample of words starting with ‘q’.  There are over 800 English words which start with ‘q’.  You can list those you know of, that are not mentioned here, or do some research to get more, and practice using them to become part of your vocabulary.


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