Year 3 - English
Spelling words with the prefixes "de-", "re-", "sub-" and "super-"
Prefixes, homonyms and homophones
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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 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 understand the meaning of words by using the prefixes de-, re-, sub- and super-.
Key Notes
- A prefix is a letter or group of letters at the start of a word which creates another word.
- The prefixes de-, re-, sub- and super- can be added without changing the spelling of the root word.
- The prefixes de- can mean undo and re- can mean again.
- The prefix sub- can mean under or nearly and super- can mean above or larger.
- How to spell the curriculum word: guide.
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
- Every word with a prefix will have a root word that is recognisable, such as 'stroy' in 'destroy'.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.
A prefix is a letter or group of letters at the start of a word which creates another word. The prefixes de-, re-, sub- and super- can be added without changing the spelling of the root word.
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: Every word with a prefix will have a root word that is recognisable, such as 'stroy' in 'destroy'. Correction: Some words have roots that we will not recognise or no longer use. Recognising the prefix can still help to spell and understand the word.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Identifying and spelling homonyms Study Guide
- Identifying and spelling homophones Study Guide
- Practise and apply spelling compound words Study Guide
- Practise and apply spelling homonyms Study Guide
- Practise and apply spelling homophones Study Guide
- Practise and apply spelling words ending in "-sure" and "-ture" Study Guide
- Practise and apply spelling words with the prefixes "de-", "re-", "sub-" and "super-" Study Guide
- Practise and apply spelling words with the prefixes "dis-", "non-", "mis-" and "un-" Study Guide
- Spelling more compound words Study Guide
- Spelling the 'ay' sound with 'a', 'eigh' or 'ey' Study Guide
- Spelling the 'ay' sound with 'ei' or 'ea' Study Guide
- Spelling words ending in -sure and -ture Study Guide
- Spelling words with the prefixes "dis-", "non-", "mis-" and "un-" Study Guide
Browse all guides in the Year 3 English guide library.