Spelling rule
Doubling the last letter
When you add an ending that starts with a vowel (-ed, -ing, -er, -est, -ous), some words double their last letter first. It keeps the vowel short, which is why hopping (from hop) is different from hoping (from hope).
How it works
- 1
Short word, one short vowel, one consonant at the end: double it
- hop → hopping
- run → runner
- big → biggest
- sit → sitting
- 2
Longer words double when the last part is stressed
Say the word and listen for the loud beat.
- beGIN → beginning
- forGET → forgotten
- ocCUR → occurred
- eQUIP → equipped
- preFER → preferred
- 3
When the stress is earlier, don't double
- GARden → gardening
- LIMit → limited
- VISit → visiting
- OFFer → offered
- 4
In British spelling, a final l after one vowel always doubles
- travel → travelled
- marvel → marvellous
- cancel → cancelled
- model → modelling
Watch out
- Never double w, x or y: snowing, boxer, playing.
- Don't double before an ending that starts with a consonant: equip → equipment, forget → forgetful.
Memory trick
Hopping needs two p's to jump; hoping just needs one wish.
Words to practise
Years 5 and 6 statutory words
- equipped
- marvellous
- equipment
More everyday words
- beginning
- forgotten
- occurred
- travelled
- preferred
- visiting
Practise a few minutes a day
The daily spelling workout brings back the words your child finds tricky, and shows you which rules they need to revisit.