Explore this spelling list: ie and ei words: rulebreakers. These words are tailored to support your spelling journey. Choose between games, tests, and downloadable activities to learn in a way that suits you.
Have you ever noticed some ie and ei words don’t follow the i before e except after c rule? English can be tricky this way, with some words breaking the rule entirely. This list includes examples like ancient, efficient, and weird, all of which don’t follow the usual pattern but are still common words in everyday use.
Learning rulebreakers is an important for improving your spelling. Why not try a spelling game to help you study? It’s a fun way to test your skills and reinforce your memory of these tricky words.
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ancient |
Greece has many ancient ruins.
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efficient |
He was an efficient worker.
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sufficient |
Do you have sufficient money for a bus ride home?
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conscience |
My conscience is completely clear.
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protein |
A balanced diet should contain protein.
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seize |
Did you see him seize my purse?
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weird |
I heard a very weird noise in the night.
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foreign |
We love foreign travel.
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sovereign |
A reigning king or queen is a sovereign.
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forfeit |
He will forfeit his chance of promotion.
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counterfeit |
They found counterfeit money at his home.
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height |
He was at the height of his popularity.
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either |
You can have either of these two cakes.
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neither |
Neither of my friends could come out to play.
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leisure |
I enjoy a balance of work and leisure time.
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science |
David hopes to excel in his science exam.
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Learn more about these words in the Spellzone Main Course: Unit 21. The 'I' before 'e' rule – does it work?
Spelling Practice: ie and ei words: rulebreakersEnhance your spelling proficiency with interactive and fun exercises.
How to use:
Look and read the word.
Say the word. Click the speaker icon.
Cover the word.
Write the word.
Check your spelling.
Spelling Games: ie and ei words: rulebreakersChallenge yourself with spelling games and improve accuracy.
Springtime Spelling
Spring into spelling!
Egg Hunt
Crack the eggs!
Word Search, small
The classic English word game.
Against the Clock
Spelling 'against the clock'.
Mayan Temple
Try the temple spelling puzzle.
Monkey Business
It's bananas!
Take a Spelling Test: ie and ei words: rulebreakersCheck your spelling accuracy with this test.
Printable Activities: ie and ei words: rulebreakersTake your spelling practice offline with printable activities.
Handwriting Practice: ie and ei words: rulebreakersStrengthen spelling retention through writing practice.
This word list was created by Spellzone. View more Spellzone course lists or curriculum word lists.
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