Year 3 - English
Spelling words with the suffixes -er and -est using alternative rules
More suffixes and silent letters
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit, pupils learn spelling and grammar conventions used with the suffixes -ly, -ful and -less, as well as the spelling of words with silent letters. Pupils will learn how the addition of a suffix can affect the grammar of a word, for example its word class or tense.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to change the meaning of a word by adding the suffixes -er and -est.
Key Notes
- -er and "-est" are suffixes that can be used to change the meaning of a root word.
- For root words ending in 'y', you can remove the 'y' and add -ier or -iest.
- For root words with a short vowel sound, you can double the consonant and add the suffix -er or -est.
- How to spell the curriculum words popular and unpopular.
Vocabulary To Learn
- suffix: a letter or group of letters added to the end of a word to change its meaning
- root word: the base word from which other words are formed often by adding prefixes or suffixes
- adjective: describes a noun
- vowel: a speech sound produced with an open mouth
- consonant: a sound that is made by blocking air in the mouth with the teeth, tongue, lips or palate
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Pupils often forget to double the consonant when adding the suffixes -er or -est.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.
-er and "-est" are suffixes that can be used to change the meaning of a root word. For root words ending in 'y', you can remove the 'y' and add -ier or -iest.
2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'suffix'
a letter or group of letters added to the end of a word to change its meaning.
3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.
Mistake: Pupils often forget to double the consonant when adding the suffixes -er or -est. Correction: Show non-examples when the consonant has not been doubled after a short vowel sound (hot-hotest). Explain how this alters our pronunciation.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Practise and apply spelling -er and -est words with alternative rules Study Guide
- Practise and apply spelling adjectives using the suffix "-y" Study Guide
- Practise and apply spelling adverbs using the suffix "-ly" Study Guide
- Practise and apply spelling words with the silent letters "b", "w", "k" and "g" Study Guide
- Practise and apply spelling words with the suffixes "-er" and "-est" Study Guide
- Practise and apply spelling words with the suffixes "-less" and "-ful" Study Guide
- Spelling adjectives with the suffix "-y" Study Guide
- spelling words with silent letters: "b", "w", "k" and "g" Study Guide
- Spelling words with the suffix "-ly" Study Guide
- Spelling words with the suffixes -er and -est Study Guide
- Spelling words with the suffixes "-ful" and "-less" Study Guide
Browse all guides in the Year 3 English guide library.