Frequently Asked Questions
Using Lit Spelling
Lit Spelling builds spelling confidence with short, focused sessions. You hear a word, spell it back, and get instant feedback. You can ask for a definition and a sentence. If you prefer not to speak, you can type.
If you spell a word incorrectly, you're encouraged to try again. Word hints are available. If you're really stuck, you can reveal the answer after two failed attempts. We record tricky words so you see them again later, which helps you build mastery over time.
Like any speech technology, it can mishear at times. That can be useful because it promotes clear pronunciation and careful enunciation, similar to a real spelling bee. You can always retry the word or switch to typing.
Yes. You can ask for a definition, example sentence, word origin, or part of speech using voice commands like "Define it", "Use it in a sentence", "What's the origin?", or "Part of speech". You can also say "Repeat the word" to hear it again. The goal is to feel like you are talking to a friendly spelling coach.
Free users receive 15 new words each day with 5 easy words, 5 medium words and 5 hard words from a rotating default list. Paid plans increase that limit and add more control, including choosing words, categories and using saved lists.
You decide what works best for you. Daily sessions of 10 to 20 minutes work well for most learners, but there are no set rules. We have upper limits on daily word counts to support healthy screen time. As parents ourselves, we know this matters.
Lit Spelling works on any device or browser with an internet connection. You need audio enabled to hear words pronounced. Whether you use a phone, tablet, or computer, you can start spelling right away.
Tricky words are words you do not get right the first time. For premium subscribers, we automatically track these words so you can repeat the ones you find challenging until you master them. This helps you build confidence on the words that need extra attention.
Spelling Bee Prep
Use short, consistent sessions. Say the word out loud, listen to the definition and sentence, look for patterns like prefixes and suffixes, then spell. Old school methods like flashcards, copy writing, and spelling tests can help. Lit Spelling adds independence and instant feedback, targeted review of tricky words, natural audio, and tracking your progress towards spelling mastery.
Many spelling bees let you ask for a definition, part of speech, language of origin, and a sentence. You usually repeat the word, then spell. If you are unsure, ask to hear the word again or the language of origin. Check your event for exact rules.
Use the definition, sentence, and part of speech to pick the correct spelling. Lit Spelling also announces each word as (word -> sentence -> word) by default, which helps confirm which word you are hearing when two words sound the same.
Early words include dog, hat, and map. Harder examples include onomatopoeia, rhamphorhynchus and floccinaucinihilipilification. Lit Spelling includes 15,000+ words across this spectrum so first time spellers and serious competitors both feel challenged without being overwhelmed.
No. Lit Spelling is independent. You can still use it to prepare for school, community, or national events because it trains the same core spelling skills.
Word Lists & Levels
Our database contains 15,000+ words reviewed against linguistic and educational research. Difficulty reflects letter sound patterns, morphology, syllable structure, and real world frequency. The goal is to improve spelling and comprehension, not just short term recall.
Progress tracking and reporting are premium subscriber features. You can see which words you have mastered, track your improvement over time, and review your tricky words. This helps you understand your strengths and areas for growth.
For Families
Yes. Lit Spelling is free, ad-free, anonymous, and requires no signup. You can use it every day within your daily limit of 15 new words (5 easy, 5 medium, 5 hard). Paid plans extend sessions and unlock more control such as choosing words, lists, and word origins. The free version remains genuinely useful.
No. You can use Lit Spelling anonymously. We only ask for an email address if you choose a paid plan.
Lit Spelling is for anyone who wants to improve their spelling. It suits kids preparing for competitions, anyone learning English, people with learning difficulties and adults who enjoy spelling as brain training. You pick the difficulty level that feels right for you.
We understand that people progress at different paces, which is why we do not use age labels. Instead, we guide you with five levels of difficulty. Start where you feel comfortable and move up when you are ready. Whether you are 8 or 80, you can find the right level for you.
Yes. On the Ultimate plan, families can set up multiple users under one account. Each person gets their own profile with independent progress tracking and adaptive difficulty. This makes it easy for families to share one subscription while keeping everyone progress separate.
Everyone is unique and progresses at different paces, and that is okay. It also depends on how frequently you work on spelling. Many spellers report improvements after just a couple of weeks of regular sessions. We deliberately do not set time limits so that you stay in control at all times.
Yes. Hearing natural pronunciations and getting instant feedback helps with listening, vocabulary growth, and confidence. Lit Spelling is a great way to build spelling skills and confidence.
For Educators
Privacy & Accessibility
We collect as little as possible and only require an email address if you create a paid account. Lit Spelling is designed with children’s safety in mind and follows strict privacy and ethical standards, which extends to word selection and how we use words in sentences and definitions.
Yes. We use speech technology and AI to present words, check spelling accuracy, and generate examples. We do not use AI to identify users or store personal voice data.
Accessibility is built in. Clear contrast, screen reader support, keyboard navigation, and inclusive language and pricing. If you spot an issue, please tell us and we will fix it quickly.
Fun & Curiosity
The New York Times Spelling Bee is a word discovery puzzle where you form new words from letters. Lit Spelling focuses on hearing real words and spelling them correctly. You still discover interesting words, but the goal is lasting skill and confidence.
Yes. Lit Spelling spans simple words like cat and hop, through to advanced words such as conscientious and phosphorescence. Paid users can target difficulty and topics with chosen lists, while free users receive a rotating default list.