The Basic Rule:
When adding a suffix that begins with a vowel (like -ing, -ed, -er, -est), double the final consonant if:
1. The word has one syllable AND the final consonant is preceded by a single vowel.
* Examples:
* run + ing = running (one syllable, 'u' is a single vowel)
* stop + ed = stopped (one syllable, 'o' is a single vowel)
* hop + er = hopper (one syllable, 'o' is a single vowel)
2. The word has more than one syllable AND the final consonant is stressed AND is preceded by a single vowel.
* Examples:
* begin + ing = beginning (stressed on the second syllable, 'i' is a single vowel)
* prefer + ed = preferred (stressed on the second syllable, 'e' is a single vowel)
* permit + ed = permitted (stressed on the second syllable, 'i' is a single vowel)
Important Exceptions:
* The rule doesn't apply to words ending in 'w', 'x', or 'y'.
* Examples:
* saw + ing = sawing
* box + ed = boxed
* play + ed = played
* If the word has more than one syllable and the final consonant is not stressed, the consonant is not doubled.
* Examples:
* open + ing = opening (stressed on the first syllable, 'e' is a single vowel)
* offer + ed = offered (stressed on the first syllable, 'o' is a single vowel)
Words That Seem to Violate the Rule:
* Some words that have two consonants at the end may seem to break the rule, but they are actually exceptions:
* Examples:
* travel + ing = traveling (double consonant because it's a single vowel before the final consonant, but it's not doubling because of the 'l' being the final consonant)
Remember: This is a general rule, and there are always exceptions. It's best to consult a dictionary if you are unsure about the spelling of a particular word.