Why is "control" spelled this way?

Discover the logic behind this word and learn how understanding spelling patterns can transform your writing confidence.

control

con•trol

Step 1: Syllable Breakdown

conRule: O makes schwa before W, TH, M, N, VSpelling rules applied: O makes schwa before W, TH, M, N, V

trolo makes its second soundo makes its second sound like in go

Step 2: Words Spelt From control

contro= Against or opposite.

Step 3: Putting It All Together

control- To have power over something or someone.

Spelling Notes

The 'o' in 'control' makes a short 'u' (schwa) sound because it comes before the 'n'. This follows Rule 28b, where 'o' often sounds like 'uh' before 'N'. So, even though it's spelt with an 'o', it sounds like 'con-trol', not 'cone-trol'.

Breaking words down into their syllables and analyzing why a word is spelled the way it is will drive you to be a better all-around speller, not just learning this single word. This is what strong spellers do subconsciously.

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