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Grade 4 · Spelling · Spelling rules

4th Grade Change Y to I worksheets

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Change Y to I

Grade 4 Spelling Worksheet - Challenge Me

NameDate

Circle the rule that explains each spelling.

  1. "copy" + -er = "copier". Which rule explains this spelling?

    • Double the y and add -er.
    • A consonant comes before the y in "copy", so change y to i and add -er.
    • Drop the y and add -er.
    • A vowel comes before the y in "copy", so keep the y and add -er.

  2. "merry" + -ly = "merrily". Which rule explains this spelling?

    • Drop the y and add -ly.
    • A consonant comes before the y in "merry", so change y to i and add -ly.
    • Double the y and add -ly.
    • Always keep the y and just add -ly.

  3. "plenty" + -ful = "plentiful". Which rule explains this spelling?

    • Double the y and add -ful.
    • Always keep the y and just add -ful.
    • A vowel comes before the y in "plenty", so keep the y and add -ful.
    • A consonant comes before the y in "plenty", so change y to i and add -ful.

  4. "study" + -ing = "studying". Which rule explains this spelling?

    • A vowel comes before the y in "study", so keep the y and add -ing.
    • Always change y to i before an ending.
    • Keep the y before -ing so the word does not get two i's in a row.
    • Drop the y and add -ing.

  5. "destroy" + -ed = "destroyed". Which rule explains this spelling?

    • Drop the y and add -ed.
    • A consonant comes before the y in "destroy", so change y to i and add -ed.
    • Double the y and add -ed.
    • A vowel comes before the y in "destroy", so keep the y and add -ed.

  6. "lonely" + -ness = "loneliness". Which rule explains this spelling?

    • A consonant comes before the y in "lonely", so change y to i and add -ness.
    • Always keep the y and just add -ness.
    • A vowel comes before the y in "lonely", so keep the y and add -ness.
    • Drop the y and add -ness.

  7. "empty" + -ness = "emptiness". Which rule explains this spelling?

    • A consonant comes before the y in "empty", so change y to i and add -ness.
    • Drop the y and add -ness.
    • Always keep the y and just add -ness.
    • Double the y and add -ness.

  8. "beauty" + -ful = "beautiful". Which rule explains this spelling?

    • A vowel comes before the y in "beauty", so keep the y and add -ful.
    • Double the y and add -ful.
    • Always keep the y and just add -ful.
    • A consonant comes before the y in "beauty", so change y to i and add -ful.
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4th Grade Change Y to I worksheet 1 – printable PDF
Download PDF: 123456

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: HomophonesEarlier: 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.

Similar: Doubling Before an Ending · Drop the E, Add -ing

More 4th grade spelling rules

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