This Y rule spelling generalization worksheet is designed for the 6-12-year-old children to practice the application of the “Y rule” of spelling.

When the children are firm with the lessons on syllables, and short & long vowels, then they are introduced to the spelling generalization rules. Watch the video for more information on the Y Rule of Spelling.

Y to I Rule of Spelling

Let us revise the Y rule before understanding how to practice this Y rule spelling generalization worksheet.

According to the Y rule in spelling generalization,

If a word ends in -y preceded by a consonant, change the y to -i, then add the suffix. For example –

•       happy + ness = happiness
•       hurry + ed = hurried
•       duty + ful = dutiful
•       Carry + er = carrier

Variation –The above rule has a variation – If a word ends in y preceded by a consonant, but the suffix carries i as a beginning letter as in -ing then y remains same. For example

•       Study + ing = studying
•       Fry + ing = frying

Exception – There is an exception to the above rule where -y is preceded by a consonant. But here the letter y does not change to i. For example

•       Shy + ly = shyness
•       dry + ly = dryly

Perquisites of this Y to Rule worksheet

A child must know the Y to I Rule, its variation, and exceptions.

How to Practice the Y Rule of Spelling Worksheet?

In this worksheet, a child needs to add a suffix to the base word with y to make the new word by following the Y Spelling Rule.

Here a child is provided with the root word with y in the end and the suffix to form the new word.

For example:

•       Carry + ed = carried

Here y is preceded by a consonant hence it changes to I when the suffix -ed is added to it.

•       Fly + ing = flying

Here also, y is preceded by a consonant, but the suffix begins with the letter i, hence, y would remain as it is in the new word. The new word formed would be flying.

•       Shy + ly = shyly

The above example follows the exception to the Y Rule of Spelling.

Encourage the children to read the root word, suffix, and the new word loudly. This helps in better understanding the application of y to i spelling rule and comprehending the rule properly.

Download the worksheet and start practicing the usage of Y spelling rule to form new words.

Note: You can also refer to the video lesson here to understand the Y rule in more detail.