Education

When we talk about the “craft of writing,” we often think of style, technique and other aspects related to creativity.
While creativity and inspiration are certainly integral considerations for writers,success, we should always try to remember the importance of the fundamental tools of writing – like – rules of grammar and punctuation, correct word usage and definitions, and accurate spelling.
In order for writers to utilize the English language proficiently, we must have a comprehensive understanding of several key components.

Seven simple spelling rules:
I before e, except after c, or when sounded like a, as in neighbor or weigh: receive, believe etc…
In one syllable words or words accented on the last syllable that end in a single consonant preceded by a single vowel, the final consonant is doubled before adding end or another syllable that begins with a vowel. (Ex: prefer – preferred, wet – wettest, plan – planning)

The final e is normally dropped when adding a syllable that begins with a vowel.
(ex: judge – judging)
The final e usually remains when adding a syllable that begins with a consonant.
(ex: late – lately)
Words that end in a double e keep both eel’s before adding a syllable. (ex: see – seeing)
Compounds of the words – all, well, and full – drop one – i when adding a syllable.
(ex: always, welcome, and fulfill)

The final y preceded by a consonant is usually changed to -i when adding an ending that does not begin with i. (ex: busy – business)
I would be crazy if I tried to say that the basic rules listed above are all-inclusive and all a writer needs to carefully construct content that is accurate, understandable and grammatically correct.

Fortunately, in this day and age, most computers come equipped with handy-dandy tools like automatic grammar and spell checks, thesaurus, dictionaries and similar features that make it easier to write properly.

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