ABSTRACT
[Abstract: Unstressed vowel sounds are a common feature in English (more so in British than American English). They often become schwa /ə/, and may be spelled with any vowel letter. Four problematic choices for spellers, both native speakers and learners, are discussed: -er versus –or, -ary versus -ery and -ory, -able versus -ible, and -ance versus -ence. Dictionaries may differ in their recommendations, and some words may be spelled either way, e.g. collectable/collectible.]
