Year 3 - English
Spelling words with the suffixes "-ful" and "-less"
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 suffix -ful or -less.
Key Notes
- -ful and -less are suffixes that can be used to change the meaning of a root word.
- Some root words can use the suffixes -ful and -less.
- The -less and -ful suffixes start with a consonant, so the root word usually doesn't change when the suffix is added.
- If the root word has more than one syllable and ends in a consonant +y, then 'y' is replaced by 'i' before the suffix.
- How to spell the curriculum words: reign and island.
Vocabulary To Learn
- root word: the base word from which other words are formed often by adding prefixes or suffixes
- adjective: describes a noun
- suffix: a letter or group of letters added to the end of a word to change its meaning
- noun: a naming word for a person, place or thing
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- All root words can take both suffixes -ful and -less.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.
-ful and -less are suffixes that can be used to change the meaning of a root word. Some root words can use the suffixes -ful and -less.
2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'root word'
the base word from which other words are formed often by adding prefixes or suffixes.
3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.
Mistake: All root words can take both suffixes -ful and -less. Correction: Show a variety of words with suffixes -ful and -less. Choose ones familiar to the pupils and put into sentences to demonstrate the meaning.
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 -er and -est using alternative rules Study Guide
Browse all guides in the Year 3 English guide library.