Guide to Spelling: Hooked on Phonics: Spelling Demons

Spelling Demons

How can you tell a spelling demon? They're the words that look wrong even when they're right.

I know you can spell all right because it's the opposite of all wrong. Maybe you were lucky enough to learn that a lot is two words, rarefy has that pesky e, and sacrilegious has a whole lot of letters.

There are still tons of words lying (laying?) in wait for you. Here are 10 common spelling demons that have no doubt been deviling you for years:

Ten Tough Spelling Words—and Ways to Make Them Tender

1. traveler. The British spell it with two l's, but Americans don't double-up, except in accented syllables (such as controlled, referral, propeller).
2. coolly. Here, you're just adding the suffix to the root. (I know it still looks funny. But it's right. Trust me.)
3. embarrass. Two r's and two s's. But then again, we have harass.
4. unparalleled. Memorize this sucker. There's no other way around it.
5. nickel. Is there any justice in the world?
6. glamour. We can deal with this … but what about glamorous?
7. resuscitate. That's why people learn CPR; they're too busy being heroes (not heros) to spell what they just did.
8. genealogy. Like its first cousins mineralogy and analogy, one of a few words that doesn't end with -ology.
9. pavilion. That's what we get for taking words from the French. Cotillion and vermilion also pose difficulty.
10. dysfunction. Because so many people have it, better learn how to spell it (maybe a cure is easier?).

Still game? Here's a list of spelling demons you're likely to encounter in daily life. Of course, there are many more, so don't write to me, e-mail me, or fax me your favorites. I'll give you a few lines at the bottom of the list where you can record your favorites.

Excerpted from The Complete Idiot's Guide to Grammar and Style © 2003 by Laurie E. Rozakis, Ph.D.. All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. Used by arrangement with Alpha Books, a member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.

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