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Year 4 - English

Adding the suffix -ous to words

Verb and adjective suffixes

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils learn spelling and grammar conventions associated with certain verb and adjective suffixes, like -ate, -en, -ify, -ise and -ous. Pupils will review and learn more examples of 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 spell words using the suffix "-ous".

Key Notes

  • The suffix -ous often turns nouns into adjectives and often means 'full of'.
  • If the root word ends in 'ge', just add -ous.
  • If the root word ends in 'e', remove the 'e', then add -ous.
  • If the root word ends in 'our', change 'our' to 'or', then add -ous.
  • How to spell the curriculum words: promise and favourite.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • 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 root word
  • noun: a naming word for a person, place or thing
  • adjective: describes a noun

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Children may not be able to spell the root word or stem.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

The suffix -ous often turns nouns into adjectives and often means 'full of'. If the root word ends in 'ge', just add -ous.

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: Children may not be able to spell the root word or stem. Correction: Ensure to focus on all the difficult elements of the words presented, not only the -ous ending that demonstrates the spelling rule.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 4 English guide library.