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The doubling rule (1-1-1)
hop → hopping, but visit → visiting.
Grades 2-7
The rule
In a one-syllable word ending in one consonant with one vowel before it, double that consonant before a vowel suffix.
How it works
| hop → hopping | 1 syllable, 1 vowel, 1 consonant → double |
| run → running | 1-1-1 → double |
| big → bigger | 1-1-1 → double |
| sit → sitting | 1-1-1 → double |
| rain → raining | two vowels → no doubling |
| jump → jumping | two consonants → no doubling |
Watch out for
- In longer words, double only when the last syllable is stressed: begin → beginning, prefer → preferred, but visit → visiting and offer → offering.
- Never double w, x or y: snowing, boxing, playing.
- British English doubles a final l regardless of stress (travelling); American English does not (traveling).