Grade 4 · Spelling · Spelling rules

4th Grade Change Y to I worksheets

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Version

Change Y to I

Grade 4 Spelling Worksheet

NameDate

Circle the rule that explains each spelling.

1.
"key" + -s = "keys". Which rule explains this spelling?
- A vowel comes before the y in "key", so keep the y and add -s.
- Drop the y and add -s.
- Always change y to i before an ending.
- A consonant comes before the y in "key", so change y to i and add -s.
2.
"cry" + -ing = "crying". Which rule explains this spelling?
- Keep the y before -ing so the word does not get two i's in a row.
- A vowel comes before the y in "cry", so keep the y and add -ing.
- Drop the y and add -ing.
- A consonant comes before the y in "cry", so change y to i and add -ing.
3.
"happy" + -ness = "happiness". Which rule explains this spelling?
- A consonant comes before the y in "happy", so change y to i and add -ness.
- Double the y and add -ness.
- Always keep the y and just add -ness.
- Drop the y and add -ness.
4.
"family" + -es = "families". Which rule explains this spelling?
- A consonant comes before the y in "family", so change y to i and add -es.
- Drop the y and add -es.
- Always keep the y and just add -es.
- Double the y and add -es.
5.
"enjoy" + -ed = "enjoyed". Which rule explains this spelling?
- Always change y to i before an ending.
- A consonant comes before the y in "enjoy", so change y to i and add -ed.
- Double the y and add -ed.
- A vowel comes before the y in "enjoy", so keep the y and add -ed.
6.
"try" + -ing = "trying". Which rule explains this spelling?
- A consonant comes before the y in "try", so change y to i and add -ing.
- Keep the y before -ing so the word does not get two i's in a row.
- Drop the y and add -ing.
- Always change y to i before an ending.
7.
"play" + -ed = "played". Which rule explains this spelling?
- Always change y to i before an ending.
- A consonant comes before the y in "play", so change y to i and add -ed.
- Double the y and add -ed.
- A vowel comes before the y in "play", so keep the y and add -ed.
8.
"monkey" + -s = "monkeys". Which rule explains this spelling?
- Drop the y and add -s.
- A vowel comes before the y in "monkey", so keep the y and add -s.
- A consonant comes before the y in "monkey", so change y to i and add -s.
- Always change y to i before an ending.

4th Grade Change Y to I worksheet 1 – printable PDF — Download PDF: 1 2 3 4 5 6

About this worksheet

Changing y to i before an ending helps students spell many words that end in a consonant plus y matters in fourth grade because spelling work now connects word meaning, word parts, and editing accuracy. Fourth graders may write carryed or tryes, or overuse the rule and write plaied or criing, where the y must stay. This worksheet keeps the focus on one spelling pattern at a time, and every wrong choice is a mistake a real speller might make, so children cannot get credit by ruling out silly answers. Students spell words with -ed, -es, -er, -est, -ness, -ly, and -ful, choose the rule that explains a spelling, find the base word, and decide when the y stays.

Support versions use more familiar words and fewer choices. Standard versions add harder words, and challenge versions add longer words and the cases where the pattern does not apply. Ask your child to say the word, mark the meaningful part or spelling change, and then check whether the written form still matches the meaning. That process is slower than guessing, but it builds spelling habits that transfer to real writing.

What your child will learn

Change final y to i when a consonant comes before it
Keep the y when a vowel comes before it, as in played
Keep the y before -ing, as in crying
Find the base word before the spelling change

Common Core standard: L.4.2.D

Worked example

Carry becomes carried because a consonant comes before the y. Play becomes played because a vowel comes before the y.

Common mistake

Keeping y before endings where the word needs i, such as carryed instead of carried.

Helpful hint

If a consonant comes before final y, change y to i before most endings, but not before -ing.

Next skill: Homophones Earlier: Drop the E, Add -ing

Questions parents ask

What is the most common mistake with change y to i?

Keeping y before endings where the word needs i, such as carryed instead of carried.

How can I help my child with change y to i?

If a consonant comes before final y, change y to i before most endings, but not before -ing.

Are these 4th grade spelling worksheets free to print?

Yes. All 6 printable versions on this page are free to download and print, with no account needed.

More 4th grade spelling rules

See all spelling rules

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