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Year 5 - English

Spelling words with the suffixes -ary and -ery

Verb, adjective and noun suffixes

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils learn spelling and grammar conventions associated with certain verb, adjective and noun suffixes like -ing, -ed, -s, -ies, -es, -ves, -ate, -en, -ify and -less. Pupils review and learn more examples of how the addition of a suffix can affect the grammar of a word.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to spell words using the suffixes -ary and -ery.

Key Notes

  • The suffixes -ary and -ery can turn some words into nouns.
  • The ending -ery is more common.
  • When a word ends in a consonant, just add the suffix.
  • When a word ends in 'e', remove the 'e', then add the suffix.
  • How to spell the curriculum words: February, ordinary, necessary and interest.

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 word to change its meaning
  • noun: a naming word for a person, place or thing
  • verb: a doing, being or having word
  • adjective: describes a noun

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Pupils often miss out the 'e' or 'a' in words ending in -ery or -ary, as they are not always clearly pronounced.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

The suffixes -ary and -ery can turn some words into nouns. The ending -ery is more common.

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: Pupils often miss out the 'e' or 'a' in words ending in -ery or -ary, as they are not always clearly pronounced. Correction: Identify the endings -ary and -ery in focus words. Say the words how they are spelt to help emphasise the vowel spellings.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 5 English guide library.