Spelling the Schwa With Word Families

Use related words where the vowel is stressed to spell a hidden schwa.

Because the schwa sounds like 'uh' no matter which vowel spells it, it is hard to spell. One smart trick is to think of a related word where the same vowel is stressed and easy to hear. Is it 'compusition' or 'composition'? Think of 'compose', where you clearly hear the long o. So it is 'composition'. Is it 'inspuration' or 'inspiration'? Think of 'inspire', where you clearly hear a long i.

So it is 'inspiration'. Another: 'definite'. Think of 'define', with a clear long i. So the second vowel in 'definite' is i. Word families keep vowel spellings even when the sound changes.

• 1A schwa hides which vowel spells it.
• 2Find a related word where the vowel is stressed.
• 3Word families keep their vowel spellings.