1.4.1

‘i' Before 'e' Except After 'c’

Test yourself

'i' Before 'e' Except After 'c'

The 'i' before 'e' except after 'c' rule helps us to decide whether to spell a word using 'ie' or 'ei'.

Illustrative background for Use 'ie' in most cases
Illustrative background for Use 'ie' in most cases
 ?? "content

Use 'ie' in most cases

  • We use 'ie' in most cases.
  • For example:
    • believe
    • friend
    • thief
Illustrative background for Except after 'c'Illustrative background for Except after 'c' ?? "content

Except after 'c'

  • If there is a 'c' before these two letters, we use 'ei' in most cases.
  • For example:
    • ceiling
    • receive
    • conceive
    • perceive

Jump to other topics

1Reading

1.1Reading

1.2Prefixes

1.3Suffixes

1.4Spelling Rules

1.5Reading Comprehension

1.6Reading Comprehension: SAT Practise

1.7Word Meaning

1.8Fact vs. Opinion

1.9Justifying Views

1.10Figurative Language

1.11Text Structure

2Writing

2.1Sounds in Words

2.2Homophones

2.3Using a Dictionary

2.4Writing Composition

2.5The Subjunctive Mood

2.6Modal Verbs

2.7Active & Passive Voice

2.8Relative Clauses

2.9Expanded Nouns

2.10Punctuation

2.11SAT Spelling Practise

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium