Spelling Unit #3

Spelling “rule” of the week:

When adding -ness or -ly to a word, do not change the spelling of the word itself.

Exceptions: --

Focus Rule Words:

1) definitely (definite + ly)

2) accidentally (accidental + ly)

3) completely (complete + ly)

4) sincerely (sincere + ly)

5) appropriateness (appropriate +

ness)

Academic Verbs:

6) rebut to disprove or show to be falseI rebutted the false accusation with my defense.

7) refute to argue or prove falseI will refute the writer’s assertion because he has poor evidence.

8) counter to oppose or argue againstI plan to counter anyone who stands against me.

Commonly misspelled words:

9) fortunately (fortunate + ly)

Wasn’t it fortunate that I ate today?

10) basically (basic + al + ly)

Basically, you’re my ally--not my enemy.

11) successfully (success + ful + ly)

double c, double s, double l

Roots/prefixes/suffixes:

de= down dis = away

equi = equal extra = beyond

12) descend to go downward

13) dismiss to send away

14) equilateral having equal sides

15) extraordinary beyond ordinary

Commonly confused words:

16) there (adverb) used to describe a location or situationThere are plenty of activities.

17) they’re (contraction of “they are”)They’re getting taller.

18) their (possessive pronoun) used to show ownershipSpot is their dog.

Review Words:

19) your/you’re (possessive vs. contraction)

20) tomorrow (one m, double r)