Spelling and pronunciation patterns: ie and ei

1. Spelling vs. pronunciation: ie and ei.

Do you know this English spelling rule of thumb?

I before E
Except after C
Or when sounding like A
As in neighbour and weigh

This can help with spelling, but what about pronunciation? Well, normally ie in words is pronounced /iː/, as in believe or brief, whereas ei in words is often pronounced /eɪ/, as in neighbour or weigh. However, there are, of course, many exceptions to the rules.

Which word is the odd one out in each group?

Now listen and repeat the words.

2. Rhymes.

Which pairs of lines rhyme?

3. Rhymes.

Can you remember? Type in the missing words to complete each pair of lines from the previous exercise.