Mnemonics

So, as we have already seen, spelling in English can be a tricky business. However, do not be alarmed as help is on hand!  Over the years, there has grown up a whole selection of rhymes and acronyms to help us get our spelling right!  These are what we call mnemonics or mnemonic devices.  Put into simple English, a mnemonic is a learning technique that aids information retention.  It is just a way to help us remember.

Last week we looked at the “i” before “e” except after “c” rule, and seen that whilst this is probably the best known of all English spelling rhymes, it has so many exceptions that there is an argument that questions its usefulness! So I thought today we could perhaps look at some more straightforward rhymes that may be more helpful.

Lest start with the phrase; “desserts have two sugars”.  If you can remember this it will help you avoid confusing “desert” (the large expanse of arid, sandy ground) with “dessert”  (the sweet course you eat after dinner). Following on from this if you have trouble with the word potassium, it may be useful to remember “one tea, two sugars”!

 How about – “never eat chips, eat salad sandwiches and raspberry yogurt” (necessary).  There you go – not only have you got some healthy advice but you will always remember how to spell necessary. Another one I like is; “big elephants can always understand small elephants” (because).  Not only is this a really cute thing to believe, but you also have the spelling of “because” sewn up!  If you have trouble remembering how to spell argument, think “a rude girl undresses; my eyes need taping”.  Not sure, but it may just help you!  

Watching this clip maybe the mother elephant understands her baby a bit too much! 

There are also more general rhymes to help us out, such as when two vowels go walking, the first one does the talking! Think of words like “neat” and “boat” and you will notice that it is the first vowel that is most pronounced.  This rule generally works for those words with a long “e” or “o” sound, such as “meet”, “seat” “coat” or “loan”. Although the two vowels come side by side, it is the first vowel that makes the long sound.

If you have trouble spelling any particular word or group of words, it may be a good idea (and lots of fun), to come up with a rhyme for yourself.  It does not matter how silly it is as long as it is something that you are likely to remember.  I don’t know about you but I always remember the words to the daftest of songs, and rhymes I have not heard since childhood I can recite perfectly!

Just before I sign off, I wanted to leave you with an interesting mnemonic, especially for all of you interested in science.  If you get confused with stalactites and stalagmites, you only need to remember that tights go down and therefore stalactites are from ceiling to floor!                 

Please remember if you need any help with your written English please visit our website www.writtenenglishcorrected.com