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Tricky Words List: Tricky words are words that commonly confuse people due to their similar sounds, spellings, or multiple meanings. For instance, words like “their” and “there” or “accept” and “except” often lead to mistakes in writing. Knowing how to properly use these tricky words is essential for improving language skills and avoiding common errors. With regular practice and careful attention to context, you can master tricky words and use them with confidence in your writing.
What are Tricky Words?
Tricky words are words that often cause confusion because they look or sound alike, or have meanings that are easily mixed up. For example, “affect” refers to influencing something, while “effect” means the outcome or result of something. Similarly, “its” is possessive, whereas “it’s” is a contraction of “it is.” Understanding tricky words is essential for students as it helps them avoid frequent writing errors and expands their vocabulary. Mastering these words not only improves accuracy in language use but also boosts confidence in communication. A solid grasp of tricky words enables students to convey their ideas more precisely and effectively.
Tricky Words List
| Tricky Word | Definition/Explanation |
|---|---|
| Affect | To influence something (verb). Example: “Lack of sleep can affect your ability to concentrate during the day. |
| Effect | The teacher’s encouragement had a noticeable effect on the students’ performance. |
| Their | Possessive form showing ownership. Example: “This is their house.” |
| There | Refers to a place. Example: “She is standing over there.” |
| Its | Possessive form of “it.” Example: “The dog wagged its tail.” |
| It’s | The contraction of “it is” or “it has” is written as “it’s.” For example: “It’s going to be a sunny day tomorrow,” or “It’s been a long time since we met |
| Your | Possessive form showing ownership. Example: “Is this your book?” |
| You’re | The contraction of “you are” is “you’re.” For instance: “You’re going to enjoy this meal.” This sentence uses “you’re” to combine “you” and “are.” |
| Accept | To agree or receive something. Example: “I accept your apology.” |
| Except | To exclude. Example: “Everyone came except John.” |
| Then | Refers to time or sequence. Example: “She finished her homework, and then she went outside to play.” |
| Than | Used for comparison. Example: “Rajesh is smaller than his brother.” |
| Lose | To misplace or fail to win. Example: “Don’t lose your keys.” |
| Loose | Not tight. Example: “My shirt is too loose.” |
| Stationary | Not moving. Example: “The car remained stationary at the traffic light until it turned green.” |
| Stationery | Refers to writing materials. Example: “I bought new stationery for school, including notebooks, pens, and highlighters.” |
| To | Preposition or part of an infinitive verb. Example: “I am going to the park.” |
| Too | Means “also” or “excessive.” Example: “I want to come too.” / “This coffee is too hot.” |
| Who’s | The contraction of “who is” or “who has” is “who’s.” For example: “Who’s responsible for organizing the event?” |
| Whose | Possessive form of “who.” Example: “Whose book is this?” |
Tricky Words in Jolly Phonics
Jolly Phonics is an engaging and structured method for teaching kids how to read and write. However, some words, called “tricky words,” don’t adhere to standard phonetic rules, making them more difficult to spell or pronounce. These words need to be recognized by sight instead of sounding them out. Examples include “was,” “the,” “you,” and “said.” Introducing these words early on helps children become more fluent readers.
- Irregular Spellings: Tricky words don’t follow regular phonics patterns.
- Sight Words: These words must be memorized rather than decoded.
- Practice: Repetition and visual aids are key in helping children recall tricky words.
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Tricky Words List for Kids
Tricky words play a vital role in helping children build strong literacy skills. Since these words don’t follow regular phonetic patterns, children must memorize them instead of relying on sounding them out. Introducing tricky words gradually, using flashcards, and incorporating them into sentences are effective ways to make learning easier for kids. Mastering tricky words not only enhances reading skills but also boosts confidence, leading to more fluent reading and writing.
- Non-Phonetic: Tricky words are challenging because they can’t be easily sounded out.
- Learning Tip: Flashcards, interactive games, and consistent practice are key for memorization.
- Early Introduction: Familiarizing children with tricky words early helps them become confident readers quickly.
Naming and Identifying Tricky Words
Tricky words are those that don’t follow regular phonetic rules, making them difficult for kids to spell and pronounce correctly. Since these words cannot be decoded phonetically, children must commit them to memory. Common tricky words include “said,” “the,” “was,” and “could.” Identifying tricky words early on helps children focus on learning these words by sight, improving their reading abilities.
- Irregular Spelling Patterns: These words break standard phonetic rules.
- Examples: Words like “said,” “was,” and “the” are some of the most common tricky words.
- Sight Recognition: Memorizing tricky words improves reading fluency as children learn to recognize them instantly.
How to Teach Tricky Words to Kids
Teaching tricky words can be both fun and engaging for kids. Start by introducing a small group of words and gradually increase the number as the child becomes more confident. Using flashcards, interactive games, and visual aids can make memorization easier. Repetition is key, and encouraging children to use tricky words in simple sentences reinforces their learning, helping them retain these words more effectively.
- Start Small: Introduce a few tricky words at a time to avoid overwhelming the child.
- Use Interactive Tools: Flashcards, games, and consistent repetition help reinforce learning.
- Practice in Sentences: Encourage children to form sentences with tricky words to strengthen understanding.
Difference Between Tricky Words and Sight Words
While tricky words and sight words are both essential for early literacy development, they have distinct differences. Tricky words do not follow regular phonics rules, making them harder to spell and pronounce. These must be memorized for better reading skills. Sight words, on the other hand, are commonly used words that children should be able to recognize instantly, though some may follow phonics patterns. Both tricky words and sight words are important for helping kids read more smoothly and with greater fluency.
- Tricky Words: These words break typical phonics rules (e.g., “was,” “said”).
- Sight Words: Frequently used words that children should recognize by sight (e.g., “and,” “is”).
- Essential for Fluency: Both types of words play a crucial role in developing strong reading skills.
Tricky Words List FAQs
What are 20 tricky words?
Spelling and pronouncing words that deviate from standard phonetic patterns are referred to as tricky words. Here are 20 examples: Though Enough Colonel Island Wednesday Receipt Yacht Conscience Subtle Aisle Mischievous Knowledge Pneumonia Rhythm Chaos Queue Business Gnome Mortgage Psoriasis
What are the tricky words?
Tricky words are those that tend to confuse learners because their spelling or pronunciation doesn’t follow typical phonetic patterns. These words often have silent letters or unusual combinations of letters, making them difficult to pronounce or spell correctly. They may also have irregular sounds that don’t align with their written form.
What is a tricky word in English grammar?
In English grammar, a tricky word is is usually one that deviates from accepted phonetic or grammatical standards, making it challenging to spell, pronounce, or use correctly. Examples include words like liaison, where the pronunciation doesn't match its spelling, or whom, which can be tricky for correct grammatical usage.
How to teach tricky words?
Teaching tricky words involves repetition, visual aids, and context-based learning. Here are a few strategies: Use flashcards: Write tricky words on flashcards and have students review them regularly. Mnemonics: Create fun memory aids or rhymes to help children remember how to spell or pronounce tricky words (e.g., Big Elephants Can Always Understand Small Elephants for because). Reading in context: Encourage kids to read sentences where tricky words are used to help them understand meaning and usage. Practice writing: Have students write tricky words multiple times while saying them aloud to reinforce spelling and recognition. Games and activities: Use word games, such as word searches, crossword puzzles, or memory games, to make learning tricky words engaging.
