Word ladder game
Change one letter at a time.
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How to play word ladders
- 1
Read the top and bottom words.
- 2
Use each clue to find the word that changes just one letter.
- 3
Tap “Check” to see which rungs are right.
- 4
Print the ladders as a worksheet with an answer key.
About the word ladder game
Get from CAT to DOG by changing one letter at a time: cat, cot, dot, dog. Each middle rung has a clue, so players think about both spelling and meaning. Ladders range from two steps to six (FOUR to FIVE is the long one).
Word ladders were invented by Lewis Carroll, the author of Alice in Wonderland, in 1877.
More to explore
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Frequently asked questions
Can there be other answers?
Sometimes another word also changes one letter, but the clue points to one answer, and that’s the one the game checks.
Can I use my own words?
Yes. Type them in the box (one per line, with an optional hint after a dash). Nothing you type leaves your device.
Can I play it on a classroom screen?
Yes. Put it on a projector and let students take turns choosing letters or tiles.
Does it work on phones?
Yes. Letters and tiles are big enough to tap, and the game fits a phone screen.
Is the word ladder game free?
Yes, completely free, with no signup or account.