There are a few basic spelling rules that can help when you're trying to figure out how to spell a word. These rules won't work for every word, but they can be helpful in many cases.
When a word has two vowels side by side, the first vowel is usually pronounced long and the second vowel is silent. For example, in the word "bait," the first vowel is pronounced like the "a" in "bay" and the second vowel is silent.
When a word has two consonants side by side, the first consonant is usually pronounced hard and the second consonant is silent. For example, in the word "back," the first consonant is pronounced like the "b" in "boy" and the second consonant is silent.
When a word ends in a consonant and "y," the "y" is usually pronounced like a vowel. For example, in the word "happy," the "y" is pronounced like the "i" in "buy."
When a word ends in a vowel and "y," the "y" is usually pronounced like a consonant. For example, in the word "play," the "y" is pronounced like the "y" in "boy."
When a word has two identical vowels side by side, the first vowel is usually pronounced short and the second vowel is silent. For example, in the word "meat," the first vowel is pronounced like the "e" in "bed" and the second vowel is silent.
