English is full of words that don’t follow standard spelling or pronunciation rules—these are called tricky words. Tricky words list confuse both children and adults, especially when learning to read, write, or speak fluently.
In this blog, we’ll cover:
✔ What are tricky words?
✔ Tricky words list (general)
✔ Tricky words list for kids
✔ Tricky words list for adults
✔ Tricky words in Jolly Phonics
✔ Tips to master tricky words
What Are Tricky Words in English?
Tricky words in English (or sight words) are words that cannot be easily decoded using basic phonics rules. They often have irregular spellings or pronunciations, making them hard to read and spell correctly.
Examples:
- “One” (sounds like “won”)
- “Said” (pronounced “sed”)
- “Wednesday” (silent ‘d’)
These words must be memorized since they don’t follow usual patterns.
Tricky Words List (With Examples)
Here below is the Tricky Words list with examples:
| Word | Why It’s Tricky | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Their | Sounds like “there” | Their cat is black. |
| You’re | Often confused with “your” | You’re my best friend. |
| Affect | Commonly mixed with “effect” | Rain can affect your mood. |
| Accept | Sounds like “except” | I accept your apology. |
| Island | Silent ‘s’ | We visited an island. |
Tricky Words List for Kids
Below are the few tricky words list for kids:
- the
- said
- was
- they
- could
- should
- would
- once
- because
- through
Example Sentences:
- “She said her name.”
- “They were at the park.”
Tricky Words List for Adults
Check out some tricky words list for adults:
| Word | Common Mistake | Correct Use |
|---|---|---|
| Lose | Often written as “loose” | Don’t lose your keys. |
| Principal | Confused with “principle” | The principal spoke to students. |
| Stationary | Mixed with “stationery” | The car remained stationary. |
| Compliment | Misspelled as “complement” | She gave him a compliment. |
Tricky Words in Jolly Phonics
Here’s a list of Tricky Words in Jolly Phonics:
Phase 2 (Beginner)
- I, the, he, she, me, we, be
Phase 3 (Intermediate)
- you, they, all, are, my, her
Phase 4 (Advanced)
- said, have, like, so, do, some, come
Teaching Tip: Use flashcards and rhymes to help kids memorize them.
How to Master Tricky Words?
- Read Aloud – Seeing and hearing helps memory.
- Use Flashcards – Visual repetition works best.
- Play Word Games – Like “Word Bingo” or “Memory Match.”
- Write Sentences – Practice using tricky words in context.
- Daily Practice – Consistency is key!
Final Thoughts – Tricky Words List
Tricky words list can be challenging, but with practice and patience, anyone can master them. Whether you’re a parent helping a child or an adult refining your English, this list will help you avoid common mistakes.
