The silent 'k' and 'g'in know, knock, gnat, gnaw are from Old Norse/Vikings. The 'k' and 'g' used to be pronounced. We still spell them with a 'g' and 'k' because it shows us the history and origin of the words.

A lot of English spelling is about seeing the history and origins in the word.

But some academics in the 16th century caused chaos with our spelling because they wanted a more 'authoritative' spelling system. 

They were influenced by Latin and thought our spelling should reflect Latin so they added the silent 'b' in debt and doubt, a silent 'p' in receipt and a silent 'l' in salmon to reflect their Latin roots.  Arghhhhh!

But do you know who else caused our spelling chaos?

This lot below:

• The French who invaded and colonised us in 1066 caused the biggest headaches.

• The printers of the late 1400s added their own strange spellings to the mix

• And as we saw above, the Renaissance academics with their obsession with Latin

Language always changes - how we say, pronounce and use words changes. There's no holding back language, it's forever growing and changing which is a good thing.

So there you have it, a very quick explanation of some of the reasons why Engish spelling is so weird. If you'd like more information and learn more about all this then grab a copy now. 

So if you're serious about wanting to understand English spelling and you want to improve your spelling, then you need to grab a copy of "The Reasons why English Spelling is so Weird and Wonderful" right now, because you can conquer this fear, frustration, annoyance of English spelling - Today! 


Testimonials and recent comments from customers:

“I just like to thank you for a great book!! I'm dyslexic and this approach really works for me. Thanks again.” Robert

5 out of 5 stars I found this book very helpful. (The Reasons Why... ebook)
By Sarah Ann. “I am a dyslexic adult and this is the first intelligent spelling book I've seen. When you recognise word parts with similar meanings it helps you to determine which vowel that word part should contain. That has been one of my biggest problems in spelling, neutral vowels in the middle of words and no way of guessing what they are. Learning the history and the meaning of words really makes a difference. This book is great. Thank you for writing it and thank you for all the videos on Youtube as well.”

“For a word nerd like me, this was a little gem (The Reasons Why...ebook) . I have learned bits and pieces of the history of English over the years, but this book really helped me connect it all together. A nice, quick, fun and easy read. Now I can give my students some better answers when they complain about the spelling and pronunciation of English.” Sheri Summers - American speaking & expert

“I always wondered why we had so many strange spellings in English and this book has just told me why. I loved the history bits especially how the French suppressed the English and the language and how they changed spellings that are still with us today. I found it fascinating and it's not bogged down with academic and linguistic language - simple, straight to the point.”

"Thanks for your work, this stuff is excellent. Your book ‘The Reasons Why..." is a real classic – it has taught me a lot – it should be in curriculum’s everywhere."  Adam

I just got this great email from a customer in the USA. It's so sweet I thought I must include it here. "I just wanted you to know it has been a great help for me. I shared this with a English teacher who has her P.H.D .and now who is retired. She is 90 years young and lives in a retirement center. She has poor eye sight . I let her hear the video on the history of language. She loved it and is always telling her friends about your site . The other residents got excited too because it was so educational. Thanks so much.” David, Alabama.

“Thank you for this ebook, I very much enjoyed reading it. I can now see why we spell words the way we do.” Helen, York.

Interesting. Really understand things now. Loved the photos and pictures, Jon, Kent.

“I've just completed the two links you sent me, it's so fascinating to learn about the English language and why it is the way it is, still wish words were spelt the way they are pronounced though!!.  I picked up so much useful information on the way, still confused with how to know which words end with 'el' or 'le' though! - those always get me   But the explanation helps. Will read it again and again and get it in my head.” Denise

“Learning about and seeing those Anglo-Saxon letter patterns has made me see the things all over, especially in my writing which is good, I can spell better, ebook helped a lot.” Hidaayo, London.

“I have just started 1:1 tutoring for English Functional skills at a college and am always on the look out for resources that are adult based. I have recommended your website to several students and colleagues and have picked up some excellent tips and strategies. I very much enjoyed reading your Reasons Why English Spelling is... and will definitely try some of the books you recommend. Many thanks.” Helen.

 Bruce Reviewed in Australia 🇦🇺 “A mine of useful information. I won't be making that mistake again. Just look up won't if you don't believe me.”

“This is a great little book that explains the quirks of English spelling without all the academic, linguist language that other experts put in their books. The history of English is alive in our spelling! And I love teaching this to my students and have learnt lots from this book and your website. Loved it, thanks.” Karen, literacy, English teacher, London.