Prefixes and suffixes

Prefixes and suffixes are word parts that are added to the beginning or end of a base word to change its meaning or function in a sentence.

Learning helps you: understand and build new words and improve spelling

• Break down words into smaller parts and guess their meaning based on the prefix, suffix, and familiar base word

• Use your knowledge of prefixes and suffixes to create new words

• Can help you spell words more accurately according to spelling rules

Grammar changes

Spelling rule 1: the silent E

When you add a suffix that starts with a vowel (a, e, i, o, u) to a word that ends in a silent e, the silent e is usually dropped before adding the suffix. This improves pronunciation. For example:

• like + ing = liking

• desire + able = desirable

However, if the suffix starts with a consonant (f in -ful or l in -less), the silent e is usually kept. This keeps the original sound of the base word. For examples:

• love + ly = lovely

• care + less = careless

Spelling rule 2: consonant doubling

If a word ends in a single consonant preceded by a short vowel, and you add a suffix that starts with a vowel, the final consonant is often doubled to maintain the pronunciation of the original word. For example:

• run + ing = running

• forget + able = forgettable

• plan + ed = planned

Spelling rule 3: y to i

The "y to i" spelling rule is important for correctly forming certain words, especially when adding suffixes like -ed, -er, -est, and -es. It helps make your writing more consistent and avoids common spelling mistakes.

The rule: If a word ends in a consonant + y, change the y to i before adding a suffix (except when the suffix begins with i, like in -ing). For examples:

• Hurry + -ed = Hurried

• Study + -es = Studies

• Happy + -er = Happier

• Worry + -ing = Worrying (no change because the suffix starts with an i)

However, if the word ends in vowel + y, you don’t change the y:

• Play + -ed = Played

• Enjoy + -ing = Enjoying

Common Mistakes:

• ❌ Play + -ed = Plaied (Incorrect)

• ❌ Try + -ing = Triing (Incorrect)

Recognise the prefixes and suffixes

1. Recognise the prefix and suffix in each word.

2. Write each word on your mini-whiteboard and circle prefix and suffix.

3. Explain how the prefix/suffix changes the meaning of the base word.

For example: I had to unlock the door. (unlock has a prefix un-).

The prefix "un-" means "not," so unlock means making the door not locked any longer.

Words where you recognise prefixes or suffixes:

• Replay

• Unhappy

• Careful

• Disagree

• Kindness

The Mysterious Disappearance

The old lighthouse keeper, Mr. Finch, was known for his strict routine. Every morning at dawn, he would climb the winding stairs of the lighthouse and polish the powerful lens. But on this particular Tuesday, something was wrong. The lighthouse remained dark, a silence hanging over the rocky coast. The villagers, worried by Mr. Finch's unusual absence, decided to investigate. They found the lighthouse door unlocked, but Mr. Finch was nowhere to be seen. His belongings were untouched, except for a single, unsettling clue: a half-written note lying on the table. The note read, "The fog is unlike anything I've ever seen... a presence..."

The Clock Tower

The old clock tower loomed over the town square, its hands forever frozen at midnight.  Legends whispered of a  disgruntled  clockmaker who, in a fit of rage, had dismantled  the intricate mechanism years ago.  No one dared climb the rickety stairs to investigate, fearing the breathless  climb and the unknown dangers that lurked above.  One curious boy, however, couldn't resist the mystery.  Determined to unravel  the truth, he snuck into the tower on a moonlit night.  Climbing the dusty stairs, his heart pounded  with a mix of excitement and fear.  What would he find at the top?

The Lost Explorer

Deep in the heart of the Amazon rainforest, fear crept into Amelia's heart. Separated from her expedition team for hours, she felt increasingly hopeless. The dense foliage blocked any sunlight, making the path ahead appear even more unsettling. Hunger gnawed at her stomach, and the thought of spending another night alone in the unforgiving wilderness sent shivers down her spine. Suddenly, a flash of vibrant blue caught her eye. It was a butterfly, its wings shimmering like stained glass against the green backdrop. A small spark of optimism flickered within her. Perhaps this beautiful creature could lead her back to civilization. With newfound determination, Amelia followed the butterfly's graceful flight, her fear slowly dissipating.