Mastering the Silent "e" Rule

The Silent 'e' rule states that when an 'e' is added to the end of a word, it often changes the pronunciation of the preceding vowel, making it a long vowel sound.

The correct form is 'usable', where the 'e' is retained to indicate the long 'u' sound.

The correct spelling is 'hoping', where the 'e' is dropped before adding 'ing'.

The correct spelling is 'careful', where the 'e' is retained.

The correct spelling is 'laughing', where the 'e' is dropped before adding 'ing'.

The correct spelling is 'creation', where the 'e' is retained.

Generally, the 'e' is dropped before adding 'ing', unless it is a silent 'e' that affects the vowel sound.

An example is 'like' becoming 'likable', where the 'e' is retained.

'Usable' is the correct spelling, while 'useable' is incorrect; the 'e' is not pronounced.

If a one-syllable word ends in a single vowel followed by a single consonant, the consonant is doubled before adding 'ing'.