Skip to content

Study Hub

Study Guides

This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.

Year 3 - English

Practise and apply spelling words with the prefixes "de-", "re-", "sub-" and "super-"

Prefixes, homonyms and homophones

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils learn spelling and grammar conventions associated with prefixes meaning 'not', like dis-, non-, mis- and un-, as well as the spelling of homophones, homonyms and some compound words.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to spell words using the prefixes de-, re-, sub- and super-.

Key Notes

  • The prefixes de-, re-, sub- and super- can be added without changing the spelling of the root word.
  • Spotting a 'word in a word' is a useful practice strategy.
  • How to spell the curriculum word: continue.
  • The prefixes de- can mean undo and re- can mean again.
  • The prefix sub- can mean under and super- can mean above.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • root word: the base word from which other words are formed often by adding prefixes or suffixes
  • prefix: a letter or group of letters added to the start of a root word to change its meaning

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Not all words have a word hidden in a word.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.

The prefixes de-, re-, sub- and super- can be added without changing the spelling of the root word. Spotting a 'word in a word' is a useful practice strategy.

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: Not all words have a word hidden in a word. Correction: Show that this is a useful strategy to use when you can spot a word in a word, but it isn't always suitable.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 3 English guide library.