What is a Double Consonant?
A double consonant is a consonant letter that appears twice in a row in a word. For example, the “nn” in a tunnel is a double consonant. Double consonants are often found in words with a suffix added to them, such as “beginning”.
Rules for Double Consonants
There are a few general rules for double consonants:
One-syllable words with a short vowel and one consonant at the end:
When you add a suffix to a one-syllable word with a short vowel and one consonant at the end, double the consonant.
For example:
- hop + ing = hopping
- sit + ing = sitting
- big + er = bigger
Words ending in -f or -l:
When you add a suffix that begins with a vowel to a word that ends in -f or -l, double the consonant.
For example:
- cliff + y = cliffy
- buff + et = buffet
- travel + er = traveler
Compound words:
When you compound two words together, and the second word begins with the same consonant as the first word ends with, double the consonant.
For example:
- book + keeper = bookkeeper
- letter + carrier = letter carrier
- class + room = classroom
Exceptions
There are a few exceptions to the general rules for double consonants:
Words ending in -c:
When you add a suffix that begins with a vowel to a word that ends in -c, do not double the consonant.
For example:
- picnic + ing = picnicking
- traffic + ing = trafficking
- panic + ing = panicking
Words ending in a consonant and a vowel:
When you add a suffix to a word that ends in a consonant and a vowel, do not double the consonant.
For example:
- bake + ing = baking
- hope + less = hopeless
- name + less = nameless
Examples of Double Consonants
Here are some examples of double consonants:
| across | afternoon | beginning |
| blackberry | bookkeeper | butter |
| carry | classroom | coffee |
| committee | dog | letter carrier |
| mad | middle | millimeter |
| necessary | night | professor |
| rabbit | recognize | runner |
| sitting | swimming | teacher |
| tennis | tunnel | unnecessary |
| waterfall | yellow |
100+ Example Sentences of Double Consonant
- He will heal quickly.
- She will report the incident.
- The wind blew the leaves away.
- She wore a swimsuit to the beach.
- They explored the mountainside.
- The suspect was arrested.
- She suspects foul play.
- The houseboat drifted along the river.
- I need to buy new brake pads.
- The budget needs a final edit.
- She will correct the mistake.
- The thunder roared in the distance.
- She sang a lovely song.
- The principal of the school is strict.
- She wrote a letter to her friend.
- Their cat is very friendly.
- She brushed her hair before school.
- She made a presentation yesterday.
- He is a basketball player.
- The dog dug a deep hole in the yard.
- She will create new content.
- The request is reasonable.
- They took a road trip.
- They climbed a mountainside trail.
- He is a perfect actor.
- The address is not correct.
- They will rebel against the rules.
- She will request a refund.
- We heard the thunder outside.
- They had a snowball fight.
- I am swimming in the pool.
- The rebel group has grown.
- We enjoyed the countryside scenery.
- She picked the pretty flowers in the field.
- She cut the apple into small pieces.
- She will steer the boat.
- He will transfer the funds.
- He received a permit to build.
- Its color is beautiful.
- He parked his car on the street.
- The kitten climbed the tree.
- He is a software developer.
- He suspects no one.
- The deer ran across the field.
- We met the friendly squirrel.
- It’s time to go.
- The kids skipped rope together.
- She bought a dishwasher for the kitchen.
- They are strict about the contract.
- He is a classmate of mine.
- She will transfer the files.
- The transfer process is quick.
- The flashlight guided us in the dark.
- I need to buy a winter jacket.
- They are strict about the contract.
- She has a pretty bracelet.
- She will jog in the park this evening.
- He is a firefighter by profession.
- I will follow that principle.
- We’ll present a project report.
- He will hammer the nail into the wall.
- The content is engaging.
- She got a sunburn at the beach.
- They will perfect their skills.
- We ordered a strawberry milkshake.
- He has a funny laugh.
- Here is your coat.
- It’s a sunny day today.
- We had a brainstorming session.
- I spilled milk on the table.
- He stepped on the crunchy leaves.
- She enjoys playing basketball.
- They filled the bucket with water.
- He likes to eat broccoli.
- He yelled with excitement at the circus.
- I can hear you.
- He suspects no one.
- The bell rang loudly in the school.
- They’re going to the store.
- They will visit the hill during the hike.
- He fixed the broken bike.
- I am still full from dinner.
- She needs a permit to enter.
- The chef cooked a delicious meal.
- He is a well-known author.
- She knelt to tie her shoe.
- It’s a sunny day for a picnic.
- The contract will be signed.
- They cheered for the winning team.
- He will edit the document.
- He will desert his post.
- The dessert is delicious.
- The rabbit hopped through the garden.
- The clock ticked loudly in the room.
- The butterfly is colorful.
- The shortcut saved us time.
- She put the book there.
- The car beeped as it backed up.
- He will play the piano.
- The penguin waddled on the ice.
Double consonants are a common feature of the English language. By understanding the rules for double consonants, you can improve your spelling and grammar.
