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4th Grade Doubling Before an Ending worksheets

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Doubling Before an Ending

Grade 4 Spelling Worksheet

NameDate

Circle the rule that explains each spelling.

  1. "cook" + -ing = "cooking". Which rule explains this spelling?

    • "cook" has one short vowel and ends in one consonant, so double the k.
    • "cook" ends in two consonants, so just add -ing.
    • "cook" has two vowels together before the last letter, so just add -ing.
    • Always double the last letter before -ing.

  2. "trim" + -ing = "trimming". Which rule explains this spelling?

    • "trim" ends in a silent e, so drop the e and add -ing.
    • "trim" has one short vowel and ends in one consonant, so double the m.
    • "trim" ends in m, and m is never doubled, so just add -ing.
    • "trim" has a long vowel sound, so keep one m.

  3. "mix" + -ed = "mixed". Which rule explains this spelling?

    • "mix" ends in x, and x is never doubled, so just add -ed.
    • "mix" has one short vowel and ends in one consonant, so double the x.
    • "mix" ends in two consonants, so just add -ed.
    • Always double the last letter before -ed.

  4. "jog" + -ing = "jogging". Which rule explains this spelling?

    • "jog" has one short vowel and ends in one consonant, so double the g.
    • "jog" ends in a silent e, so drop the e and add -ing.
    • "jog" has a long vowel sound, so keep one g.
    • "jog" ends in g, and g is never doubled, so just add -ing.

  5. "spot" + -ed = "spotted". Which rule explains this spelling?

    • "spot" has two vowels together before the last letter, so just add -ed.
    • "spot" has one short vowel and ends in one consonant, so double the t.
    • "spot" ends in two consonants, so just add -ed.
    • "spot" ends in a silent e, so drop the e and add -ed.

  6. "hot" + -est = "hottest". Which rule explains this spelling?

    • "hot" has a long vowel sound, so keep one t.
    • "hot" ends in a silent e, so drop the e and add -est.
    • "hot" ends in t, and t is never doubled, so just add -est.
    • "hot" has one short vowel and ends in one consonant, so double the t.

  7. "float" + -ed = "floated". Which rule explains this spelling?

    • "float" ends in a silent e, so drop the e and add -ed.
    • "float" ends in two consonants, so just add -ed.
    • Always double the last letter before -ed.
    • "float" has two vowels together before the last letter, so just add -ed.

  8. "snow" + -ing = "snowing". Which rule explains this spelling?

    • Always double the last letter before -ing.
    • "snow" ends in two consonants, so just add -ing.
    • "snow" has two vowels together before the last letter, so just add -ing.
    • "snow" ends in w, and w is never doubled, so just add -ing.
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4th Grade Doubling Before an Ending worksheet 1 – printable PDF
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About this worksheet

Doubling before an ending protects the short vowel sound in consonant-vowel-consonant words, and in longer words stressed on the last syllable matters in fourth grade because spelling work now connects word meaning, word parts, and editing accuracy. Fourth graders may write hoping when they mean hopping, or double letters in words like jumping, raining, or visiting where the rule does not apply. 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 -ing, -ed, -er, and -est, choose the rule that explains a spelling, find the base word, and decide when not to double. 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

  • Double the final consonant after one short vowel
  • Do not double after two consonants, two vowels, or a final w or x
  • Double in longer words only when the last syllable is stressed
  • Find the base word before adding an ending

Common Core standard: L.4.2.D

Worked example

Hop becomes hopping because hop has one short vowel and ends in one consonant. Jump becomes jumping because it already ends in two consonants.

Common mistake

Dropping the doubled consonant and accidentally making a different word, such as hoping.

Helpful hint

Check the base word's last three letters before adding the ending.

Next skill: Drop the E, Add -ingEarlier: Greek and Latin Roots

Questions parents ask

What is the most common mistake with doubling before an ending?

Dropping the doubled consonant and accidentally making a different word, such as hoping.

How can I help my child with doubling before an ending?

Check the base word's last three letters before adding the ending.

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: Drop the E, Add -ing · Change Y to I

More 4th grade spelling rules

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