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Year 4 - English

Using the suffix -ness

Noun and adjective suffixes

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils learn spelling and grammar conventions associated with certain noun and adjective suffixes like -ity, -ness, -tion, -sion, -ssion, -cian, -cial and -tial. Pupils review how the addition of a suffix can affect the grammar of a word, in most cases by changing its word class.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to spell words using the suffix -ness.

Key Notes

  • The suffix -ness turns adjectives into abstract nouns.
  • For most words, just add the suffix -ness.
  • When a word ends in 'y', replace the 'y' with 'i', then add the suffix -ness.
  • How to spell the curriculum words: heart, accident and accidentally.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • noun: a naming word for a person, place or thing
  • abstract noun: a type of noun that names an idea or quality that cannot be seen
  • root word: the base word from which other words are formed often by adding prefixes or suffixes
  • suffix: a letter or group of letters added to the end of a word to change its meaning.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • The children mis-spell words ending in -ness with root words ending in 'y'.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

The suffix -ness turns adjectives into abstract nouns. For most words, just add the suffix -ness.

2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'noun'

a naming word for a person, place or thing.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: The children mis-spell words ending in -ness with root words ending in 'y'. Correction: Focus on the pronounciation of the word. Stretch it slowly: happ-i-ness. The 'i' can be heard clearly making the 'ee' sound.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 4 English guide library.