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, short and long vowels then they are introduced to the spelling generalization rules. Watch the video for more information on 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 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 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.