Here's a spelling secret that top spelling bee champions know: French spelling patterns unlock thousands of English words. When you understand that French words often have silent final consonants (ballet, debris) and distinctive endings like "-que" (boutique, unique), suddenly spelling becomes more predictable. This deep understanding makes spelling easier. Our adaptive practice builds this knowledge naturally. Try it free.
Why French Patterns Matter
Understanding French spelling patterns transforms spelling from rote learning to pattern recognition.
~29% of English vocabulary
French forms a major part of English, especially in law (court, judge, jury), cuisine (restaurant, chef, gourmet), fashion (boutique, chic, ensemble), and diplomacy (rendezvous, attaché, dossier). Words in these fields all trace back to French.
Predictable spelling patterns
French words use silent final consonants (ballet, debris, chassis), "-que" endings (boutique, unique, antique), "-ette" endings (brunette, silhouette, etiquette), and "ch" sounding like "sh" (chef, machine, chandelier). Know the origin, predict the spelling.
Spelling bee advantage
54% of spelling bee words come from Latin, French, or Greek. Asking about word origins is a winning strategy. Champions use etymology to spell unfamiliar words correctly on the first try.
Vocabulary expansion
Learn French patterns, unlock hundreds of words. "-que" endings give you boutique, unique, antique, technique, critique. "-ette" endings give you brunette, silhouette, etiquette, cassette. Patterns are the ultimate vocabulary hack for lifelong learning.
Essential French-Derived Words
French words are especially common in cuisine, fashion, law, and the arts. Note the distinctive silent letters and "-que" endings.
French Spelling Patterns to Remember
Silent Letters
- Silent final consonants → ballet, debris, chassis, rendezvous
- Silent "t" → buffet, depot, debut
- Silent "s" → debris, chassis, precis
Distinctive Endings
- -que → boutique, unique, antique, technique
- -ette → brunette, silhouette, etiquette, cassette
- -eur → amateur, entrepreneur, chauffeur
- ch = sh → chef, machine, chandelier, brochure
Spot these patterns with our free adaptive spelling tool.
How Lit Spelling Works
Learn French spelling patterns
French words in English have distinctive patterns: silent final consonants (ballet, debris), "-que" endings (boutique, unique), and "ch" sounding like "sh" (chef, machine). Our adaptive system introduces these patterns through words you'll actually use.
Practice with real words
Hear each word pronounced clearly, then type it. The multisensory approach (hearing + seeing + typing) builds stronger memory than flashcards alone. You'll naturally notice French patterns like silent letters and distinctive endings.
Master through spaced repetition
Our algorithm brings challenging words back at optimal intervals. Words with tricky French patterns (rendezvous, silhouette) appear more often until you've mastered them. Your practice is always targeted where you need it most.
Who Benefits from French Pattern Learning
Spelling bee competitors
Etymology is a championship strategy. When you can ask "Is this word French?" and apply the right spelling rules, you gain a significant advantage. Our spelling bee practice builds this skill.
Students and test-takers
SAT, ACT, and GRE vocabulary includes many French-derived words, especially in literature, art, and social studies. French pattern knowledge helps you decode unfamiliar words on tests and build the academic vocabulary needed for college success.
Lifelong learners
Adults who want to expand vocabulary find French pattern learning efficient and fascinating. Understanding etymology connects words into meaningful families and makes English's quirks logical.
Arts & culture enthusiasts
French vocabulary dominates art, fashion, cuisine, and literature. Words like "silhouette," "gourmet," "ensemble," and "rendezvous" all follow French patterns. Root knowledge is essential for these fields.