Tiny Endings that Pack a Punch!

 

The -LS Word Family

(a.k.a. tiny endings that pack a punch)

These words all like to end the same way, which means our fingers want to treat them like cousins. If we’re consistent, they become automatic.

Meet the Family

You already know:

unless → N-LS

The exception word
“Everything’s fine unless…”

Let’s expand upon the concept:

regardless → RARLS

I’m doing it anyway
“I’m going regardless of the weather.”

worthless → WORLS

No value
“That receipt is worthless.”

more or less → MORLS

Approximately
“It’s done, more or less.”

nonetheless → NONLS

Still true
“It was hard; nonetheless, we finished.”

nevertheless → NEFRLS

Formal cousin of nonetheless
“It was risky; nevertheless, she agreed.”

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Pattern Spotting 👀

Notice the magic trick here:

• -LS stays steady
• The front of the word does the work
• Your fingers only have to make one small decision

Same ending → smoother writing → fewer hesitations.

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Pro Tip ✨

When words sound alike at the end, teach your fingers to trust the pattern. Consistency now = speed later.

Your dictionary loves families.
Your fingers do too. 💛