Double Consonants in Words
Learn why some words have double letters, like rabbit, happy and ball. A fun spelling lesson for ages 5-7 with word-building and matching games.
Key takeaways
- Some words have two of the same letter in the middle or end
- Short words often double f, l, s and z after a vowel: ball, miss
- Double letters keep the vowel sound short, like in happy
Two letters the same
Some words have two of the same letter sitting next to each other. We call these double consonants. 👯
Look at these words. Can you spot the doubles?
- ball ⚽
- egg 🥚
- kiss 💋
- rabbit 🐰
The two letters are the same, but we only say the sound once.
The f, l, s, z rule
Here is a handy rule. In a short word with one vowel, we usually double the f, l, s or z at the end.
- off 🚫
- hill ⛰️
- miss 💋
- buzz 🐝
Say each one slowly. The double letter is at the end!
Doubles in the middle
Many longer words have a double letter in the middle. The double letter keeps the first vowel sound short and snappy.
- happy 😊
- kitten 🐱
- butter 🧈
- summer ☀️
- yellow 💛
Try clapping the parts: hap-py, kit-ten. The double letter is right in the middle.
A word list to read
| Word | Double letter |
|---|---|
| ball ⚽ | ll |
| egg 🥚 | gg |
| kiss 💋 | ss |
| rabbit 🐰 | bb |
| happy 😊 | pp |
| buzz 🐝 | zz |
How to spot doubles
When you read a new word, look for twins:
- Are there two of the same letter together?
- Yes → say the sound once, but write both letters!
- Doubles often come after a short vowel: cat → no double, but ball → double l.
Well done!
Now you can spot double consonants when you read and write. Look for twin letters everywhere!
Next, try Doubling Letters Before Adding -ing and Word Families.
Quick quiz
Test yourself and earn XP
How many l's are in 'ball'?
Ball has two l's at the end: b-a-l-l. ⚽
Which word has a double letter?
Happy has two p's in the middle: ha-pp-y. 😊
Which spelling is right?
Short words ending in s often double it: miss.
Play & learn
Build the word +10 XP
Completed ✓ +10 XP
Match the picture to the word +10 XP
Completed ✓ +10 XP
FAQ
Double letters often keep the vowel sound short, like in 'happy', and short words double f, l, s and z at the end, like 'ball' and 'miss'.
In a short word with one vowel, double the f, l, s or z at the end: off, hill, miss, buzz.
Keep exploring
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