listbeeConsonant teams and blends
FLOSS rule words
The FLOSS rule explains why bell, miss and buzz end with two letters. It is one of the most useful spelling rules for one-syllable words.
- Sound
- Double f, l, s or z at the end
- Usually taught
- 1st grade
- Words on this page
- 38 in 4 lists
FLOSS rule words: word lists
Practice a list online (each word is read aloud), or open it in the worksheet maker to print a test, word search, or look-cover-write-check sheet.
ss words
11 words- miss
- kiss
- mess
- less
- boss
- toss
- fuss
- pass
- class
- glass
- dress
ff and zz words
11 words- off
- puff
- stuff
- cliff
- sniff
- stiff
- fluff
- buzz
- fizz
- jazz
- fuzz
How the pattern works
In a one-syllable word with one short vowel, double a final f, l, s or z: off, bell, miss, buzz. The letters spell FLOSS, which makes the rule easy to remember.
The -all family (ball, call, small) also doubles the l, even though the a does not say its short sound.
Common exceptions: if, of, bus, yes, gas, this, has, his, was. They are worth learning as a small set.
Common mistakes
- Writing one letter where two are needed: “bel,” “mis.”
- Doubling letters that are not f, l, s or z: “catt,” “bedd.”
- Doubling the exceptions: “iff,” “buss.”
Practice ideas
- Before writing the last letter, ask: “Is it f, l, s or z after a short vowel?”
- Sort the words by their double letters, then add the exceptions in a separate pile.
Practicing a list from school?
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