Is it exersise or exercise? The correct spelling is exercise. Many people get this word wrong. They might spell it ‘exersise’ with an extra ‘s’. But that is a mistake. The word ‘exercise’ means moving your body. It is a type of physical activity. Doing exercise is good for you. This guide will help you spell ‘exercise’ correctly every time. We will look at why people make mistakes. We will learn the right way.

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The Correct Spelling of Exercise
Let’s start with the main point. The right way to spell the word is E-X-E-R-C-I-S-E.
It has a ‘c’ in the middle.
It does not have an extra ‘s’.
So, ‘exersise’ is wrong.
‘Exercise’ is correct.
This is the proper spelling of exercise.
Why do people spell it wrong? Often, it is because of how the word sounds. The letter ‘c’ in ‘exercise’ makes an ‘s’ sound. Like in the word ‘ice’. Or ‘city’. When you hear the word ‘exercise’, you hear the ‘s’ sound clearly. This sound makes some people think the letter must be ‘s’. But it is a ‘c’. This is a very common mistake.
Grappling with Common Spelling Mistakes
People make a few common errors when spelling ‘exercise’. The most frequent one is using ‘s’ instead of ‘c’.
Here are some wrong ways you might see the word spelled:
* exersise (This is the most common error)
* exercize
* excersise
* exersize
Look at the list again.
The first one, ‘exersise’, is the one we see most often.
It changes the ‘c’ to an ‘s’.
The letter that should be a ‘c’ becomes an ‘s’.
This makes the spelling wrong.
Why does this happen?
As we said, the sound tricks people.
The letter ‘c’ followed by ‘i’ or ‘e’ often makes an ‘s’ sound in English.
Think of ‘cent’. Or ‘circle’. Or ‘space’.
In ‘exercise’, the ‘c’ is before ‘i’.
So, it makes the ‘s’ sound.
Our ears hear the sound. Our brain thinks ‘s’. But the word uses ‘c’.
Another reason for mistakes? Maybe people rush. Or they are not sure. They might guess. Sometimes, words look like other words. But ‘exercise’ is unique in its spelling.
Knowing the common errors helps you avoid them. If you stop and think, “Does ‘exercise’ have a ‘c’ or an ‘s’?”, you can remember the rule. The rule is: It has a ‘c’.
Interpreting the Word’s Meaning: Exercise Definition
What does ‘exercise’ mean? It is simple.
Exercise is any activity that makes your body move.
It makes you stronger. It makes you healthier.
It makes your heart work harder. It makes your muscles work.
Examples of exercise:
* Running
* Walking fast
* Swimming
* Dancing
* Playing sports (like soccer or basketball)
* Lifting weights
* Doing yoga
All these things are forms of exercise.
Exercise is a type of physical activity.
So, when we talk about ‘physical activity spelling’, we are talking about moving your body. ‘Exercise’ is a word for this.
The word ‘exercise’ can also mean practicing something.
Like ‘exercising your rights’. Or ‘exercising patience’.
But most of the time, when people use the word, they mean physical movement.
This article focuses on the physical meaning.
The definition of exercise is about movement for health and fitness.
It is about using your body in an active way.
Remembering the meaning can help you remember the spelling.
Think of the word as strong, active. The ‘c’ gives it a solid look.
Deciphering the Spelling: ‘Exercise’ vs ‘Exersise’
Let’s look closely at the two spellings: ‘exercise’ and ‘exersise’.
Correct: E-X-E-R-C-I-S-E
Wrong: E-X-E-R-S-I-S-E
What is the difference? Just one letter.
In the correct word, the fifth letter is ‘c’.
In the wrong word, the fifth letter is ‘s’.
That is the key difference.
Think of the letters like building blocks.
The right blocks make the right word.
The wrong block makes a wrong word.
The sequence of letters for ‘exercise’ is important:
E – X – E – R – C – I – S – E
Say the letters out loud.
E. X. E. R. C. I. S. E.
This can help you remember the ‘c’.
The ‘c’ comes right after ‘R’.
The ‘i’ comes right after ‘c’.
Let’s look at ‘exersise’:
E – X – E – R – S – I – S – E
Here, ‘s’ comes after ‘R’.
Then ‘i’. Then another ‘s’.
It has two ‘s’ letters close together.
The correct spelling only has one ‘s’. It’s at the end, before the final ‘e’.
The only ‘s’ in the correct word ‘exercise’ is the seventh letter.
The ‘s’ that many people wrongly put in is the fifth letter.
Let’s compare the middle part:
Correct: R-C-I-S-E
Wrong: R-S-I-S-E
See that ‘c’ missing? And the extra ‘s’?
This is where the mistake happens.
It’s a small change. But it makes the word wrong.
Memorizing the correct sequence is helpful.
E-X-E-R-C-I-S-E.
Say it. Write it. Look at it.
Grasping the Pronunciation of Exercise
The pronunciation of exercise is EX-er-size.
Let’s break it down by sound:
EX (like in ‘exit’)
er (like the ‘er’ in ‘teacher’)
size (like the word ‘size’)
Say it slowly: EX-er-size.
Now say it faster: Exercise.
The tricky part for spelling is the last sound, ‘-size’.
It sounds like it ends with the letter ‘s’.
And it does end with ‘s-e’.
But the sound before the ‘s-e’ is made by the letter ‘c’.
The ‘c’ sound in ‘exercise’ is like the ‘s’ in ‘size’.
This is confusing!
English spelling can be tricky. Letters do not always make the sound you expect.
Let’s practice the sound and the spelling:
Sound: EX-er-size
Spelling: E-X-E-R-C-I-S-E
The ‘c’ is silent in terms of having a hard ‘k’ sound (like in ‘cat’).
It has a soft ‘s’ sound here.
Remembering that the ‘c’ makes an ‘s’ sound can help you remember it’s there.
It’s like a trick letter. It sounds like an ‘s’, but it’s a ‘c’.
Many words have letters that make unexpected sounds.
Think of ‘k’ in ‘know’. Or ‘gh’ in ‘light’.
‘Exercise’ has the ‘c’ making an ‘s’ sound.
Do not let the sound trick your spelling.
Remember: the sound ‘-size’ at the end is spelled -C-I-S-E.
Not -S-I-S-E.
Learning to Spell Exercise: Simple Methods
How can you learn to spell ‘exercise’ correctly? Practice helps. Also, trying different ways to remember it.
Here are some simple methods:
1. Look, Say, Cover, Write, Check:
* Look: Look at the word ‘exercise’. E-X-E-R-C-I-S-E. See the ‘c’.
* Say: Say the word ‘exercise’. Say the letters E-X-E-R-C-I-S-E.
* Cover: Cover the word with your hand or paper.
* Write: Write the word from memory.
* Check: Uncover the word. Check if you spelled it right. Did you put the ‘c’?
Do this many times. It helps your brain remember the letter pattern.
2. Break it Down:
Break the word into smaller parts.
EX – ER – CISE
Or maybe: EXER – CISE
Focus on the tricky part: CISE.
Remember that part has C-I-S-E. Not S-I-S-E.
3. Make a Silly Sentence (Mnemonic):
Sometimes a sentence helps you remember letters.
For ‘exercise’, you need to remember the ‘c’ is after ‘r’.
Maybe something like:
Every Xylophone Eats Ripe Cherries Inside Six Eggs. (Focus on the R-C-I-S-E part maybe?)
Or focus on the ‘c’:
Don’t Cry, just do exercise. (Links the letter ‘c’ to the word)
Or maybe:
Exercise is nice. (Both words have ‘cise’ sounding parts, though ‘nice’ is spelled differently)
Find a sentence that works for you. Something easy to remember.
4. Visual Memory:
Imagine the word ‘exercise’ written down.
See the ‘c’ in your mind. Maybe circle the ‘c’ mentally.
Or picture someone doing exercise. Maybe the letter ‘c’ is part of their movement.
5. Write it Many Times:
Simply write the word ‘exercise’ over and over.
As you write, say the letters. E-X-E-R-C-I-S-E.
This is a classic way to learn spelling. It works for many people.
Choose one or two methods. Use them often. Learning to spell ‘exercise’ takes a little effort, but it is easy once you know the trick (the ‘c’ makes the ‘s’ sound).
Fathoming Related Terms: Physical Activity and Workout Spelling
When we talk about ‘exercise’, we often use other words that mean similar things. Two common words are ‘physical activity’ and ‘workout’.
Let’s look at their spelling too. They are spelled just like they sound.
Physical Activity:
Physical: P-H-Y-S-I-C-A-L
Activity: A-C-T-I-V-I-T-Y
Put them together: P-H-Y-S-I-C-A-L A-C-T-I-V-I-T-Y.
This phrase means moving your body. Exercise is a form of physical activity.
The spelling is quite straightforward. No tricky silent letters or swapped letters like in ‘exercise’.
Workout:
Workout: W-O-R-K-O-U-T
This word means a planned time of exercise.
Like “I am going to do a workout at the gym.”
Or “My workout today was running for 30 minutes.”
The spelling of ‘workout’ is also simple. It is spelled just as it sounds.
So, while ‘exercise’ has that tricky ‘c’, ‘physical activity’ and ‘workout’ are easier to spell.
Knowing these related terms helps you talk about moving your body in different ways. And now you know how to spell them all correctly!
Exploring Exercise Synonym
What are other words for ‘exercise’? These are called synonyms.
Using synonyms can make your writing more interesting.
Here are some words that mean something like ‘exercise’:
* Workout (as we saw)
* Physical activity (as we saw)
* Training
* Fitness
* Movement
* Activity
* Drill
* Practice (in the sense of doing something to get better)
* Regimen (like a daily exercise regimen)
Example sentences using synonyms:
* “I did a hard workout today.” (Means “I did hard exercise today.”)
* “It’s important to get daily physical activity.” (Means “It’s important to get daily exercise.”)
* “She follows a strict training plan.” (Means “She follows a strict exercise plan.”)
* “Regular fitness is key to health.” (Means “Regular exercise is key to health.”)
* “Any kind of movement is good for you.” (Means “Any kind of exercise is good for you.”)
These words are similar, but they can have slightly different meanings.
‘Workout’ is often a specific session.
‘Physical activity’ is broader; it can include things like walking to the store.
‘Training’ often means preparing for a sport or goal.
‘Fitness’ is the state of being fit from exercise.
But they all relate to moving the body for health or skill.
When you use ‘exercise’ or one of its synonyms, make sure you spell ‘exercise’ correctly! Remember the ‘c’.
Revisiting the Proper Spelling of Exercise
Let’s go over the proper spelling of exercise again. It is that important!
The letters are:
E-X-E-R-C-I-S-E
Mistake spelling is often:
E-X-E-R-S-I-S-E
The difference is the 5th letter.
It must be ‘c’. Not ‘s’.
Think of the word ‘rice’. It has C-E at the end. Makes an ‘s’ sound.
Think of ‘circle’. It has C-I. Makes an ‘s’ sound.
Think of ‘face’. It has C-E. Makes an ‘s’ sound.
The ‘c’ in ‘exercise’ acts like those ‘c’s. It makes an ‘s’ sound.
So, when you spell ‘exercise’, remember it’s like ‘rice’ or ‘circle’. It has a ‘c’ making that sound.
Proper spelling is important for clear writing.
If you write ‘exersise’, some people might know what you mean. But it looks wrong.
Using the correct spelling shows you know the word well. It makes your writing look professional.
Especially if you are writing about health, fitness, or sports, getting this word right is key.
Imagine a gym writing “Come get your exersise!” It looks bad.
So, make it a habit to spell it E-X-E-R-C-I-S-E.
Putting Correct Spelling into Practice
How can you make sure you spell ‘exercise’ correctly every time?
Use it! Write it often.
-
Write sentences about exercise.
- “I do exercise every day.”
- “Running is good exercise.”
- “What kind of exercise do you like?”
- “My doctor said I need more exercise.”
-
Type the word. Many computers and phones have spell check. Pay attention when it corrects you. If you type ‘exersise’, it will likely change it to ‘exercise’. See the correction. Learn from it.
-
If you write by hand, write it slowly. Say the letters as you write them. E-X-E-R-C-I-S-E.
-
Keep a list of words you find tricky to spell. Put ‘exercise’ on that list. Practice that list often.
Being careful helps a lot. Before you finish writing, read over your work. Look for words you know are tricky. Check the spelling of ‘exercise’.
Using the word correctly in sentences helps lock the spelling into your memory. You connect the correct letters with the meaning of moving your body.
A Deeper Look at the Word ‘Exercise’
The word ‘exercise’ has been in the English language for a long time. It comes from Old French, which came from Latin.
The Latin word was ‘exercitare’. It meant ‘to drive on’, ‘to keep busy’, or ‘to train’.
See the ‘c’ in the Latin word? exercitare.
This ‘c’ has stayed in the English word ‘exercise’.
It is pronounced differently now. In Latin, it was likely a hard ‘k’ sound. But the letter itself is still there.
Knowing where the word comes from can sometimes help you understand its spelling. The ‘c’ is part of the word’s history.
The word ‘exercise’ can be used as a verb or a noun.
As a noun: “Daily exercise is good.” (Talking about the activity itself)
As a verb: “You should exercise more.” (Talking about doing the activity)
The spelling is the same for both the noun and the verb!
This makes it easier. You only have one spelling to remember. E-X-E-R-C-I-S-E.
The word ‘exercise’ also has forms like ‘exercises’ (plural noun or third person singular verb), ‘exercising’ (present participle), and ‘exercised’ (past tense).
Let’s spell those:
Exercises: E-X-E-R-C-I-S-E-S
Exercising: E-X-E-R-C-I-S-I-N-G
Exercised: E-X-E-R-C-I-S-E-D
Notice that the C-I-S-E part is in all of them (or C-I-S-I in ‘exercising’).
The core of the word keeps its ‘c’.
If you know how to spell the base word ‘exercise’, you can spell its other forms easily. Just add the ending (-s, -ing, -d).
Again, the ‘c’ is key. It is always there in the correct spelling.
Contrasting ‘Exercise’ and ‘Exersise’ in Detail
Let’s spend more time comparing ‘exercise’ and ‘exersise’.
We know ‘exercise’ is right. We know ‘exersise’ is wrong.
Why does ‘exersise’ look wrong to someone who knows the correct spelling?
It is that double ‘s’ sound effect it creates in the middle.
EX-er-SIZE. The ‘c’ creates a clear ‘s’ sound before the final ‘-ise’.
EX-er-SISE? When you see R-S-I-S-E, it looks like it might sound different. Maybe EX-er-sis-ee? It feels clunky and incorrect.
The visual look of the word matters.
‘Exercise’ looks balanced. E-X-E-R-C-I-S-E.
‘Exersise’ looks unbalanced with the extra ‘s’. E-X-E-R-S-I-S-E.
Think of other words with C-I-S-E:
Incise: to cut into something.
Circise: a medical procedure.
Precise: exact or accurate.
These words all have that C-I-S-E part. They all have the ‘c’ making an ‘s’ sound.
This pattern is common in English. Recognizing this pattern can help you remember the ‘c’ in ‘exercise’.
‘Exercise’ follows a common English spelling pattern (C before I/E making an S sound).
‘Exersise’ does not follow this pattern.
If you see ‘exersise’, your brain might signal that something is off. Trust that feeling. Check the word. Remember the ‘c’.
Using Exercise in Sentences: Context Matters
Using the word ‘exercise’ in different ways helps you get comfortable with it.
Here are examples showing ‘exercise’ as a noun and a verb.
As a Noun:
* Getting enough exercise helps you sleep better.
* What is your favorite type of exercise?
* My morning exercise routine is simple.
* He needs more physical exercise.
As a Verb:
* You should exercise for 30 minutes daily.
* Do you exercise regularly?
* They exercise by swimming in the pool.
* It feels good to exercise outside.
Notice the spelling is the same in all these sentences. E-X-E-R-C-I-S-E.
No matter how you use the word to talk about moving your body, the spelling stays the same.
This is good news! You only need to master one spelling.
Remember the LSI keyword: ‘how to spell exercise word’.
The simple answer is E-X-E-R-C-I-S-E.
This is the one and only way to spell the word correctly in standard English.
Building Your Spelling Skills, Starting with ‘Exercise’
Learning to spell ‘exercise’ is part of building good spelling skills overall.
Here are general tips that apply to ‘exercise’ and other words:
- Read Often: Reading helps you see words spelled correctly. Your brain takes pictures of words. The more you see ‘exercise’ spelled right, the more correct it will feel.
- Use a Dictionary: If you are unsure about a word, look it up. A dictionary gives the correct spelling, meaning, and often pronunciation.
- Use Spell Check (Wisely): Spell check is a tool. It catches many mistakes. But it does not catch everything. Sometimes, a wrongly spelled word might be a real word (like ‘there’ vs ‘their’). For ‘exercise’ vs ‘exersise’, spell check is usually right. Pay attention when it underlines a word or offers a correction.
- Make a Personal List: Keep a list of words you often misspell. Focus on those words.
- Learn Spelling Rules: English has rules (though many exceptions!). Learning common patterns (like C before I/E making an S sound) can help.
- Practice Regularly: Spelling is a skill. Like any skill, it gets better with practice.
Applying these to ‘exercise’:
– See ‘exercise’ spelled correctly in books or articles about health.
– If you doubt, look up ‘exercise’ in a dictionary.
– Notice when spell check changes ‘exersise’ to ‘exercise’.
– Put ‘exercise’ on your tricky word list if you need to.
– Remember the C-I-S-E pattern.
– Practice writing ‘exercise’ until it feels natural.
These steps help you learn the word ‘exercise’ and also become a better speller in general.
A Comprehensive Look at How to Spell Exercise
We have covered a lot about how to spell exercise.
Let’s bring it all together.
- The correct spelling is E-X-E-R-C-I-S-E.
- The most common error is ‘exersise’, using an ‘s’ instead of the ‘c’.
- This error happens because the letter ‘c’ in ‘exercise’ makes an ‘s’ sound (like in ‘size’).
- Do not let the sound fool you. The letter is ‘c’.
- The word means moving your body for health. It is a type of physical activity or workout.
- Related terms like ‘physical activity’ and ‘workout’ are generally easier to spell.
- Synonyms for exercise include training, fitness, movement, activity, etc.
- You can use simple methods like Look-Say-Cover-Write-Check or breaking the word down to learn the spelling.
- Writing the word often and paying attention when you read helps reinforce the correct spelling.
- The ‘c’ has been part of the word’s spelling for a long time, coming from its Latin origin.
- The spelling is the same whether ‘exercise’ is used as a noun or a verb.
Knowing the ‘correct spelling of exercise’ is straightforward once you are aware of the common mistake and why it happens. It is all about remembering that critical ‘c’.
Addressing Specific Spelling Concerns: ‘How to Spell Exercise Word’ and ‘Proper Spelling of Exercise’
People often search specifically for “how to spell exercise word” or “proper spelling of exercise”. These phrases show they want the definite, correct answer.
The definite, correct answer is always: E-X-E-R-C-I-S-E.
There is no other accepted spelling in standard English.
If you see ‘exersise’, ‘exercize’, or similar, they are simply errors.
The only ‘proper spelling of exercise’ is with a ‘c’ in the middle.
Think of it as a rule: for the word meaning physical activity, always use C, not S, after the ‘r’.
E-X-E-R- C -I-S-E.
This answers the question ‘how to spell exercise word’ directly and clearly. It is spelled with a ‘c’.
If someone asks you, “How do you spell exercise?”, you can confidently say, “It’s E-X-E-R-C-I-S-E, with a ‘c’.” You can even add, “A lot of people think it has an ‘s’ there because of how it sounds, but it’s a ‘c’.”
This simple explanation helps others learn the ‘correct spelling of exercise’ too.
Confirming Physical Activity and Workout Spellings
To be completely clear, let’s just double-check the spellings of those related terms:
- Physical Activity: P-H-Y-S-I-C-A-L A-C-T-I-V-I-T-Y. Yes, that’s right. No tricky parts here.
- Workout: W-O-R-K-O-U-T. Yes, that’s right. Also simple.
So, the main word to focus on for spelling difficulty is ‘exercise’.
The ‘physical activity spelling’ and ‘workout spelling’ are generally easy for most people.
Our main goal was to master the ‘exercise’ spelling.
We have seen the correct way, the wrong way (‘exersise’), why the mistake happens (pronunciation), and ways to remember the right way.
By focusing on the ‘c’, understanding the sound it makes, and practicing, anyone can learn to spell ‘exercise’ correctly.
Final Thoughts on Spelling ‘Exercise’
Spelling words correctly is a small but important part of writing. It helps you communicate clearly. For a common word like ‘exercise’, getting it right matters.
Remember the letter ‘c’. It is the key to the correct spelling.
Ignore the sound of the word for a moment and just picture the letters: E-X-E-R-C-I-S-E.
Say the letters. Write the letters.
Do not let the ‘exersise’ mistake creep into your writing. Be careful. Be mindful.
With a little practice, spelling ‘exercise’ correctly will become automatic. You won’t even have to think about it.
So, keep doing your favorite kinds of exercise! And keep spelling the word correctly! Your body and your writing will thank you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
h4. How is ‘exercise’ spelled?
The correct spelling is E-X-E-R-C-I-S-E.
h4. Why do people spell it ‘exersise’?
People often spell it ‘exersise’ because the letter ‘c’ in ‘exercise’ makes an ‘s’ sound, like in the word ‘size’. The sound can make them think the letter is ‘s’.
h4. Is ‘exersise’ ever correct?
No, ‘exersise’ is never the correct spelling. It is always a spelling error.
h4. How can I remember the correct spelling of ‘exercise’?
Try remembering the ‘c’ is after ‘r’. You can use methods like Look-Say-Cover-Write-Check, breaking the word into parts (EXER-CISE), or making a sentence to help remember the letters, especially the ‘c’.
h4. What is the difference between ‘exercise’ and ‘exersise’?
The only difference is one letter. ‘Exercise’ has a ‘c’ as the fifth letter (E-X-E-R-C-I-S-E). ‘Exersise’ has an ‘s’ as the fifth letter (E-X-E-R-S-I-S-E). The spelling with the ‘c’ is correct.
h4. What does ‘exercise’ mean?
‘Exercise’ means physical activity that you do to make your body strong and healthy. It involves moving your body, like running, swimming, or playing sports.
h4. How do you pronounce ‘exercise’?
You pronounce ‘exercise’ as EX-er-size. The ‘c’ makes an ‘s’ sound.
h4. Are ‘physical activity’ and ‘workout’ spelled like ‘exercise’?
No, ‘physical activity’ is spelled P-H-Y-S-I-C-A-L A-C-T-I-V-I-T-Y. ‘Workout’ is spelled W-O-R-K-O-U-T. Their spellings are simpler and sound more like they are spelled than ‘exercise’.
h4. What are synonyms for ‘exercise’?
Words like workout, physical activity, training, fitness, and movement are synonyms for exercise.
h4. Does the spelling of ‘exercise’ change if I use it differently (like in the past tense)?
The main part of the word keeps its ‘c’. Examples: exercised (E-X-E-R-C-I-S-E-D), exercising (E-X-E-R-C-I-S-I-N-G), exercises (E-X-E-R-C-I-S-E-S). The ‘c’ is always there in the core word.