The -ceed/-cede Rule
There are only three verbs in English that end in -ceed: succeed, proceed, and exceed.
All the other verbs with that sound end in -cede.
Examples:
- secede
- intercede
- concede
- accede
- cede
- precede
Adapted from: Guide to Spelling: Hooked on Phonics (http://www.infoplease.com/cig/grammar-style/follow-rules-spelling-rules.html)