Spelling, Punctuation & Grammar

The technical accuracy that earns (and loses) marks on every paper

SPaG marks are awarded on every writing task across every exam board. Typically around 40% of the writing mark is for technical accuracy. Getting these basics right is one of the fastest ways to boost your grade.

Markers do not expect perfect spelling, but persistent errors in common words will pull your marks down. Focus on mastering these high-frequency mistakes.

The Most Commonly Misspelled Words in GCSE English

definately→definitely

Think "definite" + "ly"

seperate→separate

There is "a rat" in separate

occured→occurred

Double "c" and double "r"

recieve→receive

"i" before "e" except after "c"

wierd→weird

Exception to the i/e rule -- just memorise it

truely→truly

Drop the "e" when adding "-ly" to "true"

arguement→argument

Drop the "e" when adding "-ment"

goverment→government

There is an "n" in "govern" + "ment"

enviroment→environment

"environ" + "ment" -- do not drop the "n"

dissapoint→disappoint

One "s", two "p"s

neccessary→necessary

One "c", two "s"s: "one collar, two socks"

concious→conscious

"sci" in the middle, like "science"

Key Spelling Rules

--i before e except after c (when the sound is “ee”): believe, achieve, receive, ceiling. Exceptions: weird, seize, neither.
--Doubling consonants: When adding a suffix to a short vowel + consonant word, double the final consonant: run → running, stop → stopped, begin → beginning.
--Drop the silent e: When adding a suffix beginning with a vowel: hope → hoping, make → making, write → writing. Keep the “e” before consonant suffixes: hope → hopeful.
--Change y to i: When the letter before “y” is a consonant: happy → happiness, beauty → beautiful. Do not change when the letter before “y” is a vowel: play → played.

Homophones That Trip Students Up

There going to the shop over they're.

They're going to the shop over there.

They're = they are. There = a place. Their = belonging to them.

Your not going to believe this.

You're not going to believe this.

You're = you are. Your = belonging to you.

The dog wagged it's tail.

The dog wagged its tail.

Its = belonging to it (possessive). It's = it is / it has.

I could of done better.

I could have done better.

'Could of' does not exist. The contraction is 'could've' (could have).

Exam strategy: If you are unsure how to spell a word, use a synonym you can spell instead. Markers reward ambition but persistent basic errors cost marks. Play to your strengths.

Accuracy Is a Habit, Not a Last-Minute Fix

The best way to improve your SPaG is to practise it in every piece of writing you do - homework, notes, and timed essays. If you only think about accuracy in the exam, it will feel unnatural. Make it second nature now.

Practise in Writing Skills

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Spelling, Punctuation & Grammar

The technical accuracy that earns (and loses) marks on every paper

Markers do not expect perfect spelling, but persistent errors in common words will pull your marks down. Focus on mastering these high-frequency mistakes.

The Most Commonly Misspelled Words in GCSE English

definately→definitely

Think "definite" + "ly"

seperate→separate

There is "a rat" in separate

occured→occurred

Double "c" and double "r"

recieve→receive

"i" before "e" except after "c"

wierd→weird

Exception to the i/e rule -- just memorise it

truely→truly

Drop the "e" when adding "-ly" to "true"

arguement→argument

Drop the "e" when adding "-ment"

goverment→government

There is an "n" in "govern" + "ment"

enviroment→environment

"environ" + "ment" -- do not drop the "n"

dissapoint→disappoint

One "s", two "p"s

neccessary→necessary

One "c", two "s"s: "one collar, two socks"

concious→conscious

"sci" in the middle, like "science"

Key Spelling Rules

--i before e except after c (when the sound is “ee”): believe, achieve, receive, ceiling. Exceptions: weird, seize, neither.
--Doubling consonants: When adding a suffix to a short vowel + consonant word, double the final consonant: run → running, stop → stopped, begin → beginning.
--Drop the silent e: When adding a suffix beginning with a vowel: hope → hoping, make → making, write → writing. Keep the “e” before consonant suffixes: hope → hopeful.
--Change y to i: When the letter before “y” is a consonant: happy → happiness, beauty → beautiful. Do not change when the letter before “y” is a vowel: play → played.

Homophones That Trip Students Up

There going to the shop over they're.

They're going to the shop over there.

They're = they are. There = a place. Their = belonging to them.

Your not going to believe this.

You're not going to believe this.

You're = you are. Your = belonging to you.

The dog wagged it's tail.

The dog wagged its tail.

Its = belonging to it (possessive). It's = it is / it has.

I could of done better.

I could have done better.

'Could of' does not exist. The contraction is 'could've' (could have).

Exam strategy: If you are unsure how to spell a word, use a synonym you can spell instead. Markers reward ambition but persistent basic errors cost marks. Play to your strengths.

Accuracy Is a Habit, Not a Last-Minute Fix

Practise in Writing Skills

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Spelling, Punctuation & Grammar

Spelling Rules and Common Errors

The Most Commonly Misspelled Words in GCSE English

Key Spelling Rules

Homophones That Trip Students Up

Punctuation Guide

Grammar Essentials

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Accuracy Is a Habit, Not a Last-Minute Fix

Spelling, Punctuation & Grammar

Spelling Rules and Common Errors

The Most Commonly Misspelled Words in GCSE English

Key Spelling Rules

Homophones That Trip Students Up

Punctuation Guide

Grammar Essentials

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Accuracy Is a Habit, Not a Last-Minute Fix