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Year 3 - English

Changing nouns from singular to plural

Writing -ed and -ing suffixes

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils learn certain spelling rules associated with -ed and -ing suffixes. Pupils learn how the addition of a suffix can affect the grammar of a word, particularly in relation to a word's tense.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to turn nouns from singular to plural when you add the suffix -s or by changing the 'y' to an 'i' and adding the suffix -es.

Key Notes

  • For some words you can add "-s" to turn into a plural.
  • For words ending in "y", you change the "y" to an "i" and add "-es".
  • For words ending in "y" that have a vowel before the "y", you can just add "s".
  • How to spell the curriculum words: early and probably.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • suffix: a letter or group of letters added to the end of a word to change its meaning
  • plural: more than one
  • singular: only one
  • root word: the base word from which other words are formed often by adding prefixes or suffixes
  • noun: a naming word for a person, place or thing

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Pupils may think that all nouns can be made plural by adding an 's'.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

For some words you can add "-s" to turn into a plural. For words ending in "y", you change the "y" to an "i" and add "-es".

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 may think that all nouns can be made plural by adding an 's'. Correction: Remind pupils that there are some other ways to show more than one, such as one mouse, two mice or one child, two children.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 3 English guide library.