Suffixes and how to use them | Year 4 English PDF Download

What is a Suffix?

• A suffix is a letter or group of letters that is added to the end of a word to change its meaning.
• Some suffixes have specific functions. For instance, adding '-ing' can transform a noun into a verb. For example, "garden" can become "gardening."
• Similarly, adding '-ed' can convert a verb into the past tense. For instance, "jump" can change to "jumped."

Suffix Spelling Rules

When using suffixes like '-er', '-ing', '-est', '-ed', and '-y', there are four key spelling rules to keep in mind:

• The suffix '-er' is added to nouns to indicate a person or thing that performs an action. For example, "teacher" or "dancer."
• When adding '-ing', remember to drop the 'e' at the end of the base word if it has one before adding 'ing'. For example, "write" becomes "writing."
• For '-est', you add it to adjectives to indicate the superlative form. For instance, "big" becomes "biggest."
• When adding '-ed' to a verb, it usually indicates that the action has already happened in the past. For example, "play" changes to "played."

Suffix Spelling Rules

• Rule 1: For words ending in two consonants, simply add the suffix to the root word.
  • Example: smart + er = smarter
• Rule 2: For words ending in a short vowel sound followed by a consonant, double the last letter before adding the suffix.
  • Example: mop + ed = mopped
• Rule 3: If a word ends in a consonant followed by 'e', drop the 'e' before adding the suffix.
  • Example: stride + ing = striding
• Rule 4: When a word ends in a consonant and 'y', change 'y' to 'i' before adding the suffix, unless the suffix starts with an 'i'.
  • Example: cry + ed = cried
  • Example: cry + ing = crying

Understanding Spelling Rules

• Vowels and Consonants: Vowels are essential in spelling. They are the letters a, e, i, o, and u. Consonants, on the other hand, encompass all the other letters of the alphabet.
  • Example: In the word "elephant," the vowels are 'e' and 'a,' while the consonants are 'l,' 'p,' 'h,' 'n,' and 't'.
• Root Words: Understanding root words is fundamental for spelling accuracy. Root words are the basic, original words from which other words are formed, without any prefixes or suffixes added.
  • Example: The root word "play" can give rise to words like "player," "playing," and "playful" when affixes are added.