When a one syllable word ends in a single vowel followed by a consonant double the final consonant before adding a suffix like - ing or ed

1 answer

Yes, when a one-syllable word ends with a single vowel followed by a single consonant, you typically double the final consonant before adding a suffix like -ing or -ed. For example:

  • "run" becomes "running" and "ran"
  • "swim" becomes "swimming" and "swam"
  • "sit" becomes "sitting" and "sat"

However, this rule generally applies to one-syllable words with a stressed syllable. If the final syllable is not stressed, such as in the words "wooded" or "hunted," you do not double the consonant. Certain words like "mix" or "fix" also follow the rule: "mixing" and "fixed".

If you're ever unsure, it's a good idea to consult a dictionary to confirm the spelling!