What is the rule of Alice in terms of spelling words?
RULE OF ALICE – What is the use of this in spelling English words? Here are some examples you might want to know.
The English language is a fun subject to learn. From grammar rules, vocabulary words, pronunciation, and its other perks as the world’s lingua franca. It can be, at times, difficult and intimidating, but it can also be enjoyable and has many practical advantages.
Some words are sometimes complicated when spelled and create confusion, but there’s one famous rule being used by many so as to end the confusion. This is called the “Rule Of Alice” or the “I before E except after C”. This is one of English’s most popular mnemonic spelling rules, however, it doesn’t apply to all words.
The entire saying that this was taken from is:
“I before E, except after C or when sounded as A, as in neighbor and weigh. And weird is just weird.”
“I before E except after C” examples:
- Ceiling
- Conceit
- Conceive
- Deceit
- Deceive
- Perceive
- Receipt
- Receive
There are also words that follow the “I before E” and here are some examples:
- Believe
- Field
- Friend
- Grieve
- Niece
- Piece
- Priest
- Shield
“I before E except after C” exceptions
| “ie” after “c” | “ei” is not preceded by “c” |
| Ancient Conscience Deficiency Species Sufficient | Feisty Height Heir Their Protein Seize Sovereign Weigh Weird |
There’s also called the “Alice Rule”.
In this rule, the “C” makes a soft ‘S’ sound when followed by E, I, or Y.
Examples:
- Alice – The C is followed by an E, so it sounds like S.
- City – The C is followed by an I, so it sounds like S.
- Cycle – The C is followed by a Y, so it sounds like S.
However, if the “C” is followed by A, O, or U, it makes a hard ‘K’ sound:
Examples:
- Cat
- Corn
- Cup