Tricky words
Tricky words contain a sound–letter correspondence that is unusual or has not yet been taught in a child's phonics programme. England's curriculum uses the term “common exception words”; follow the school's sequence, or try ten Year 1 examples free.
Ten words, read aloud. No name, sign-up or payment needed.
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Find the familiar part first
A tricky word often contains plenty a child can work out. In said, the initial s and final d are familiar to many early readers; the letters ai need special attention because they represent the vowel sound heard in bed. Say the word naturally and point to that part together.
A word can also feel tricky because its correspondence comes later in the programme. More phonics knowledge can make it easier to decode. Avoid asking a child to guess from a picture or learn only the outline of the whole word: attend to its letters, sounds and meaning. For spelling, practise recalling the letters after seeing and discussing them.
The DfE English Appendix 1 asks teachers to draw attention to unusual sound–spelling correspondences. Its named Year 1 and Year 2 common exception examples are non-statutory, allowing others according to the programme used. Pronunciation matters too: a spelling may seem more or less exceptional in different accents.
Choose a list for your child's learning
These ages describe usual year groups in England. Other UK nations and international schools use different labels and entry dates. Spelling words by age explains how to choose a starting point.
| England year and age | Word-list guide | Use at home |
|---|---|---|
| Reception, 4–5 | The school's phonics programme | Use the correspondences and words introduced in class. |
| Year 1, 5–6 | Common exception examples: said, was, one | Choose familiar spoken words from the school's current set. |
| Year 2, 6–7 | Common exception examples: door, busy, people | Compare spellings and revisit the part that needs attention. |
| Years 3–4, 7–9 | Shared statutory list: believe, island, knowledge | Combine word-list practice with the spelling patterns taught. |
| Years 5–6, 9–11 | Shared statutory list: conscience, necessary, rhythm | Explore meaning, related words and unusual letter sequences. |
Years 3–4 and Years 5–6 each have a shared statutory word list. Schools may call some of those words tricky, but the appendix does not give a separate national common exception list for each of those four years. For the younger patterns alongside exceptions, see Year 2 spelling words.
Give one word a useful second try
Choose a word from the school's current set. Say it in a short sentence, ask your child what it means, and look closely at the written form. Let them explain a familiar part before you point out the correspondence they need to remember. Cover it, invite one attempt, then compare the letters together.
If the attempt needs a change, show the correct spelling and discuss that exact part. Return to the word after a gap, then use it in a new sentence. You can use common exception word activities on paper or try the read-aloud round below. Keep the set small enough for a relaxed conversation.
Want your child's own school words, hints and saved progress? Family Pass is £9 for 12 months for up to five children, with no automatic renewal.
Questions about tricky words
What are tricky words?
Phonics programmes often use tricky words for words with an unusual correspondence, or one children have not yet been taught. A child can use known sound–letter links and give extra attention to the unfamiliar part. The school's programme determines the sequence.
Are tricky words and common exception words the same?
The terms overlap. England's curriculum calls for teaching common exception words and gives Year 1 and Year 2 examples. Tricky words is programme terminology, so a school's set may differ from the appendix examples.
Are tricky words always impossible to sound out?
No. Many parts use familiar sound–letter correspondences. Some words become straightforward as children learn more phonics, while others retain an unusual correspondence. Pronunciation and accent also matter.
Which words are in the free rounds?
The Year 1 button draws ten words from the appendix's Year 1 common exception examples. The Year 2 button draws ten from its 64 Year 2 examples. Both rounds are free, with no name, sign-up or payment needed.
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