Spelling rules: double consonants

When adding -ing, -ed or -er to short words like run, hop and big, double the final consonant.

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Try each question. If you're stuck, leave it and come back. The answer key is on the last page.

1
Add -ing to 'run': run + ing = ___ run + ing = ___
Answer:
2
Add -ing to 'hop': hop + ing = ___ hop + ing = ___
Answer:
3
Which is the correct spelling? A) siting B) sitting C) siteing D) sittting
Answer:
4
Add -ing to 'shop': shop + ing = ___ shop + ing = ___
Answer:
5
Add -er to 'big': big + er = ___ big + er = ___
Answer:
6
Which word does NOT need a double consonant when adding -ing? A) run B) hop C) jump D) swim
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7
Add -ed to 'stop': stop + ed = ___ stop + ed = ___
Answer:
8
Which of these follows the doubling rule correctly? A) hopeing (from hope) B) running (from run) C) jumpping (from jump) D) walkking (from walk)
Answer:
9
Which spelling is correct? A) happenning B) hapening C) happening D) hapenning
Answer:
10
Add '-er' to 'big': big + er = ___. big + er = ___
Answer:

Answer key

Spelling rules: double consonants · for parents and teachers

1
running
'Run' has a short vowel and one consonant at the end, so double the 'n' to get 'running'.
2
hopping
'Hop' has a short 'o' and a single 'p', so double the 'p' to get 'hopping'.
3
sitting
'Sit' doubles its final 't' to become 'sitting'.
4
shopping
'Shop' doubles its final 'p' to become 'shopping'.
5
bigger
'Big' doubles the final 'g' to become 'bigger'.
6
jump
'Jump' already ends in two consonants (m, p), so we just add -ing to get 'jumping'.
7
stopped
'Stop' doubles the final 'p' to become 'stopped'.
8
running (from run)
'Run' has a short vowel and one consonant, so it doubles to 'running'. The others either have a long vowel or already end in two consonants.
9
happening
'Happening' has one 'n' (the second syllable is not stressed, so no doubling).
10
bigger
'Bigger' doubles the 'g' (short vowel + single consonant).