The “able” or “ible” Spelling Rule
The “able” or “ible” Spelling Rule
Check out the song! The “able” or “ible” Spelling Rule
End a word with “able” if the root before has a hard /c/ or /g/ sound (despicable, navigable), after a complete root word (teachable), or after a silent e (likeable). End a word with “ible” if the root has a soft /c/ or /g/ sound (reducible, legible), after an “ss” (admissible), or after an incomplete root word (audible).
Exceptions to the rule: collapsible, contemptible, flexible, formidable, indomitable, inevitable, irresistible, memorable, portable, probable
John “able” or “ible” Schmidt
(to the tune of “John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt”)
Base words add “able” to the end,
John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt,
As do word parts,
That’s my name, too.
That end in silent e
Whenever we go out-
Or with hard c or g
The people always shout,
But for all others add “i-b-l-e”.
Saying, “John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt.”
Find spelling rules with memorable raps and songs on CD, with a comprehensive whole-class diagnostic spelling assessment, enabling 4th–12th grade teachers to differentiate instruction with 35 remedial and 32 advanced spelling-vocabulary worksheets, spelling word lists/tests, Greek and Latin affixes/roots, syllable practice, and spelling-vocabulary games, and more in Mark’s book, Teaching Spelling and Vocabulary.
