There is a class of words having the sound of long e, represented by the diphthong ie, and another class having the same sound represented by ei. It is a matter of perplexity at times to determine whether one of these words should be spelled with ie or ei. Here is a little rhyme which you will find a valuable aid to the memory in spelling these words:

• When the letter c you spy,
• Put the e before the i.

For example, in such words as deceit, receive and ceiling, the spelling is ei. On the other hand, when the diphthong is not preceded by the letter c, the spelling is ie, as in grief, field, siege, etc.

There are a few exceptions to this rule, such as either, neither, leisure, seize and weird. Most words, however, conform to the rule—when preceded by c, ei should be used; when preceded by any other letter, ie.

Observe that this rule applies only when there is a diphthong having the sound of long e. When the two letters do not have the sound of long e, as in ancient, the rule does not apply.

Monday

• Deceive
• Belief
• Conceive
• Brief
• Ceiling

Tuesday

• Field
• Receive
• Piece
• Chief
• Leisure

Wednesday

• Receipt
• Wield
• Weird
• Thief
• Perceive

Thursday

• Deceit
• Yield
• Grief
• Seize
• Conceit

Friday

• Relieve
• Neither
• Liege
• Shield
• Niece

Saturday

• Relief
• Achievement
• Reprieve
• Lien
• Siege