One of the best known spelling rules is ‘i before e except after c’, but does this rule really work? Is it true ALL the time? As with most spelling rules, it works MOST of the time – but not always. Take a look at these ie words. Translate them.
| field | The sheep were let loose in the field. |
|
brief
|
The instructions were too brief. |
|
chief
|
The tribe elected a chief. |
|
grief
|
His death caused terrible grief. |
|
relief
|
There was great relief at the rescue. |
|
mischief
|
That child is getting up to mischief again. |
|
niece
|
My brother’s daughter is my niece. |
|
piece
|
Please may I have a piece of cake? |
|
siege
|
The castle was under siege. |
|
priest
|
The priest blessed the people. |
|
fierce
|
The tiger was fierce. |
|
pierce
|
Pierce the lid before cooking. |
|
achieve
|
He wanted to achieve good grades in school. |
|
believe
|
I can’t believe she has married him. |
|
relieved
|
I feel relivied. |
|
retrieve
|
The dog ran to retrieve the ball. |
|
diesel
|
This truck’s engine runs on diesel fuel. |
|
hygiene
|
Good hygiene keeps germs away. |