Do you know the I/E Rule?


Learning a new language is always a difficult task. Most of us get confused when it comes to spelling a word, simple or hard. Remember, in school, how we used to struggle with the spelling part in a test. Those days must be behind you, but the struggle is still on.

Sometimes, the way you spell a word and the way you pronounce it, is entirely different. For example, we can take the word “pronunciation” as it is written but while we  say it we pronounce it as “pro-nun-cia-shun”. In a similar manner, there are many words in  English language that would sound the same but might confuse you when spelled.


The most common spelling mistake occurs when a word consists “ie” in its sequence. Many people still get confused and end up writing wrong spelling. Are you one of them? If so,  then continue reading this. There is a simple rule used for i/e which will clear out your confusion. Let’s have look on it.

Rule to remember

The rule is known as I before E except after C

Now look at the following words:



What the rule says is the letter “I” must be before “e”, but after the alphabet “c” in a word. As a result, you sound it as “ee” for ie.

Now let’s look at the other set of words:



In the above examples, you can see the letter “e” before “I” so the rule doesn’t apply here. In any case, you are uncertain with a spelling of a word whether it’s with the sequence ei or ie, then the correct order is “ie” unless the preceding letter is c, in which case it is ei.

However, there is an exception for the word science as the word ie after c . You can learn more exceptions from an online English tutor. As a writer, it is important to understand the basic spelling rules to avoid errors and improve English writing skills. Your writing will make or break your communication skills. Make sure your polish your English language knowledge to write your best.

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-By Shailja Varma

Related topics:

1. 5 Benefits of Reading English Books
3. Tips for Improving Pronunciation II
4. What are some phrases for conversation?
5. How to Improve Pronunciation?



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