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Year 6 - English

Forming plural nouns using the suffix -es and -ves

Homophones and tense

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils build and review a range of spelling patterns with a focus on homonyms, homophones and a wide range of suffixes, including -ed, -ing, -er, -est, -s, -ies, -es, -ves, -le, -el, -il, -al, -cian, -tion, -sion, -ssion, -ous, -tious, -cious, -cial and -tial.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to apply spelling rules to spell plural nouns that end in the suffix -es and -ves.

Key Notes

  • If the root word ends in a 'sh', 'ch', 'ss' or 'x', then add the suffix -es.
  • If the root word ends in an 'o', it can use -s or -es.
  • If the root word ends in a 'f' or 'fe', then the 'f' or 'fe' is replaced by 'v' before adding the suffix -es.
  • How to spell curriculum words: programme and identity

Vocabulary To Learn

  • suffix: a letter or group of letters added to the end of a root word
  • noun: a naming word for people, places and things
  • singular: only one
  • plural: more than one
  • root word: the base word from which other words are formed often by adding prefixes or suffixes

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Pupils often incorrectly use an apostrophe when they hear an 's' at the end of the word.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

If the root word ends in a 'sh', 'ch', 'ss' or 'x', then add the suffix -es. If the root word ends in an 'o', it can use -s or -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 root word.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Pupils often incorrectly use an apostrophe when they hear an 's' at the end of the word. Correction: Remind pupils of the rules for using apostrophes. Only use an apostrophe if you can name and recognise the rule - for omission or possession.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 6 English guide library.