KS3 spelling words beginning at nu

Spelling Quiz - Words beginning with nu... (Questions)

Master tricky KS3 spellings that begin with nu-. Spot patterns in word families like number, numerous and nurture so you can spell them confidently in your writing.

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Fascinating Fact:

Nuclear and nucleus share nucl-. Spell them nu-clear and nu-cle-us, remembering that both have nuc-le in the middle, even though they sound slightly different.

In KS3 English spelling, you learn how prefixes and roots link words together. Focusing on nu- words helps you see how the same letter pattern runs through families like number, numerous and nurture.

Key Terms

Root: The main part of a word that carries its core meaning and can be shared by several related words.
Word family: A group of words that share a root, spelling pattern or meaning, such as number, numerous and numerical.
Pronunciation: The way a word is spoken out loud, which may not always match how it looks on the page.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

What does the nu- pattern show in KS3 spelling?

The nu- pattern often appears in words linked to number or core ideas, such as number, numerous, nucleus and nuclear. Spotting nu- at the start helps you group and remember these spellings.

How can I remember the spellings of nuclear and nucleus?

Write both words in slow syllables and underline nucl in each one. Seeing the same central pattern on the page makes it easier to keep the vowels and consonants in the right order.

What is the best way to revise nu- words for KS3 tests?

Build short spelling lists of linked nu- words, say them aloud, then cover and rewrite them from memory. Checking for the repeated nu- and nuc- patterns strengthens long-term recall.

Try These Related Quizzes

Click the correct answer for the following definition.
Any substance that can be metabolized by an animal to give energy and build tissue

[ ]	nutrient
[ ]	nuttrient
[ ]	nuttriant
[ ]	nutriant

Click the correct answer for the following definition.
The organic process by which an organism assimilates food

[ ]	nuttritian
[ ]	nutrition
[ ]	nuttrition
[ ]	nutritian

Click the correct answer for the following definition.
An interval of twelve semitones spanning eight degrees of the diatonic scale

[ ]	oktave
[ ]	ocktave
[ ]	octive
[ ]	octave

Click the correct answer for the following definition.
The creation of a word from a sound it represents

[ ]	onamatopoeia
[ ]	onomatopoeia
[ ]	onimatopoeia
[ ]	onumatopoeia

Click the correct answer for the following definition.
A large group of musicians who play together on various instruments

[ ]	orchestera
[ ]	orchestrer
[ ]	orchestra
[ ]	orchesture

Click the correct answer for the following definition.
'O-------- score'

[ ]	orchestreral
[ ]	orchesteral
[ ]	orchestural
[ ]	orchestral

Click the correct answer for the following definition.
A discrete and complete living thing, such as animal, plant, fungus or micro-o_________

[ ]	organeism
[ ]	orgaenism
[ ]	organism
[ ]	orginism

Click the correct answer for the following definition.
First in a series of copies/versions

[ ]	original
[ ]	origienal
[ ]	origional
[ ]	origanal

Click the correct answer for the following definition.
A musical phrase repeated over and over during a composition

[ ]	ostenato
[ ]	ostienato
[ ]	ostanato
[ ]	ostinato

10.

Click the correct answer for the following definition.
Data sent out of the computer to a device such as a monitor or printer

[ ]	outtput
[ ]	outputt
[ ]	outtputt
[ ]	output

You can find more about this topic by visiting BBC Bitesize - Spelling

Spelling Quiz - Words beginning with nu... (Answers)

Click the correct answer for the following definition.
Any substance that can be metabolized by an animal to give energy and build tissue

[x]	nutrient
[ ]	nuttrient
[ ]	nuttriant
[ ]	nutriant

The e of the unstressed final syllable is an important letter to remember here

Click the correct answer for the following definition.
The organic process by which an organism assimilates food

[ ]	nuttritian
[x]	nutrition
[ ]	nuttrition
[ ]	nutritian

"Nutrition" and "nutrient" are related

Click the correct answer for the following definition.
An interval of twelve semitones spanning eight degrees of the diatonic scale

[ ]	oktave
[ ]	ocktave
[ ]	octive
[x]	octave

Not -ive, but -ave!

Click the correct answer for the following definition.
The creation of a word from a sound it represents

[ ]	onamatopoeia
[x]	onomatopoeia
[ ]	onimatopoeia
[ ]	onumatopoeia

The -oeia- letter combination is especially difficult and will need to be memorised

Click the correct answer for the following definition.
A large group of musicians who play together on various instruments

[ ]	orchestera
[ ]	orchestrer
[x]	orchestra
[ ]	orchesture

The k sound is recorded here with the digraph -ch-

Click the correct answer for the following definition.
'O-------- score'

[ ]	orchestreral
[ ]	orchesteral
[ ]	orchestural
[x]	orchestral

Just add an l to "orchestra"

Click the correct answer for the following definition.
A discrete and complete living thing, such as animal, plant, fungus or micro-o_________

[ ]	organeism
[ ]	orgaenism
[x]	organism
[ ]	orginism

"Organism" is related to the words "organ" and "organic"

Click the correct answer for the following definition.
First in a series of copies/versions

[x]	original
[ ]	origienal
[ ]	origional
[ ]	origanal

"Origin" + -al = "original"