The 'i before e except after c' rule

In a nutshell

'I' before 'e' except after 'c' is a common rhyme to help you spell correctly, however it is not that simple. In this summary, you will learn this rule as well as its exceptions.

Spelling rule

The common rule of thumb "'i' before 'e' except after 'c'" covers the correct spelling of many words. This works for words that make a 'ee' sound (like in see and bee).

'I' before 'e'

Examples

Piece
Field
Brief

Except after 'c'

Examples

Receive
Receipt

Exceptions

The rhyme does continue, stating "or when pronounced as 'a' as in neighbour or weigh."

Examples

Foreign
Protein
Seize