Common irregular words (sight words)
You learn to memorise common exception words that do not follow regular phonic patterns.
How to write it
- These high-frequency words have unusual spellings that do not follow simple rules.
- Learn their shape by heart.
A worked example
She smiled and ___ hello to her friend. (said)
- Said sounds like /sed/, but it is spelled s-a-i-d.
- Picture the ai in the middle: said.
More examples
He stayed inside ___ it was raining hard. (because)
Remember the mnemonic: Big Elephants Can Always Understand Small Elephants → b-e-c-a-u-s-e.
A true ___ is always kind and helpful. (friend)
Friend has an i before the e: remember "Fri-end: a friend is there till the end." Spell f-r-i-e-n-d.
Try it yourself
tricky word
a glass of cold ___ on a hot day.
tricky word
A ___ rainbow appeared across the sky.
Watch out
Spelling exception words purely by sound (sed for said, becos for because, frend for friend).
Identify the tricky part of the word and use Look, Say, Cover, Write, Check.
Tips
- Use mnemonics for tricky long words: O U Lucky Duck for c-o-u-l-d and w-o-u-l-d.
Why it works
High-frequency words like said, because, could, and friend are used every day, but their spelling contains unique historical irregularities. They must be learned by sight.