Tricks for Spelling Words That Spellcheck Won’t Catch

By Kate Harold | October 14, 2025

Spellcheck is embedded into so many computer applications these days that it might feel like you don’t have to worry much about misspelled words. Except for those tricky words: homophones — you know, the words that sound alike but have different spellings and different meanings, like here and hear.

In this month of tricks and treats, I thought I’d bring you some tricks for remembering how to spell words that spellcheck won’t necessarily catch. Here goes…

  • capital/capitol
    With just one exception, you Always spell it capitAl.
    The only time you use the o is when you are talking about a building (usually with a dOme on top of it).

 

  • complement/compliment
    Think of the i in compliment to remind yourself: *I* can give someone else a compliment.
    There are two e’s in complement and two e’s in complete and enhance, and complement means to complete or enhance something.

 

  • dessert/desert
    Dessert has two s’s in it, and so does strawberry shortcake, a yummy dessert. The one s in desert can stand for sandy.

 

  • e./e.g.
    Use the i in i.e. to remember *i*n other words.
    And the e in e.g. can remind you of the e in for *e*xample.

 

  • gray/grey
    If you’re in America it’s grAy but if you’re in Europe it’s grEy.

 

  • principal/principle
    Your princiPAL is your PAL (or not), while a ruLE can be called a principLE (both end in –le).

 

  • stationary/stationery
    Stationery and paper both have “er” in them.

I hope you find some of these useful in the future. If you have any others that you use, I’d love to hear about them!

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Check It Out: Weigh In on New Words

Cambridge Dictionary’s blog is offering the chance to give your opinion on some new fall-ish words, including “ber month” and “summerween.” Cast your vote here!

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Something You Might Not Know About Me…Halloween costume bowl of pasta

I love homemade Halloween costumes! I have spent many an October working on various costumes for my kids over the years. Some fun ones include a popsicle, fireworks, and a bowl of pasta.

 

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Discussion Questions

What’s up? I’d love to hear from you! Some things you might want to share:

  • What other mnemonic devices do you use to help you with spelling?
  • What are your thoughts on summerween, either the word or the event?
  • What homemade Halloween costumes have you made or worn?

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