“I before e except after c” is not a consistent spelling rule in English. I before e except after c exceptions include a lot of words. For this reason, you should not take it for granted that this rule is always correct. What are some words that break the ‘I before E except after C rule?
I before e except after c is not always correct. There are many exceptions to this rule such as seize, forfeit, weigh, their, etc.
I Before E Except After C Examples
The normal rule is that I comes before E except after C:
- Sieve
- Believe
- Grief
- Relief
- Relieve
- Relieved
But
- Receive
- Deceive
- Receipt
- Conceit
- Conceive
- Deceit
- Conceivable
- Inconceivable
- Perceive
- Ceiling
Nevertheless, there are many exceptions to the I before E except after C rule.
I Before E Except After C Exceptions List/ I Before E Exceptions

- Atheist
- Beige
- Being
- Caffeine
- Canoeing
- Counterfeit
- Deign
- Eiderdown
- Eight
- Either
- Feign
- Feint
- Foreign
- Forfeit
- Freight
- Height
- Heifer
- Heinous
- Heir
- Inveigh
- Inveigle
- Leisure
- Monotheism
- Neigh
- Neighbour
- Neither
- Reign
- Rein
- Seize
- Skein
- Sleight
- Sleigh
- Their
- Sovereign
- Surfeit
- Veil
- Vein
- Weigh
- Weight
- Weir
- Weird
There are many words that break the I before E, except after C rule. Here are some examples of words that have E before I not after C.
i before e exceptions
Please note that ie can even come after c. Here are some examples:
- Species
- Sufficient
- Society
- Glacier
- Policies
- Ancient
- Concierge
- Fancies
- Conscience
- Efficient
Words with I before E | I before E except after C | I before E except after C exceptions |
Achieve | Receive | Concierge |
Yield | Ceiling | Efficient |
Tier | Perceive | Conscience |
Chief | Deceit | Ancient |
Relieve | Conceive | Fancies |
Relief | Conceivable | Species |
Relieved | Inconceivable | Society |
Grief | Receipt | Sufficient |
Believe | Deceive | Glacier |
Examples Sentences with I Before E Words
- Achievers can always achieve high achievements.
- I do not believe in ghosts.
- I was relieved that my parents arrived safe after a long trip.
- She got married two years ago.
- My brother is extremely well-qualified for the job.
- The thief was seen as he was climbing over the wall.
- I am not worried about him. I am sure he can take care of himself.
- You have put on a lot of weight. I think you should go on a diet.
- All our customers were satisfied with our services.
- I watch American movies on the weekend.
- Could you be quiet, please?
- All my friends are friendly.
- The interview was successful.
- He was experienced enough to get the job.
- He has been telling lies about you.
- We are waiting impatiently for them to arrive.
- He wears a tie all the time
- Write your name on the back of this piece of paper.
- The crowd cheered as the two teams ran onto the field.
- He died of a cancer.
Find some important tips on how to use its and it’s here.
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