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Year 6 - English

Spelling words with the comparative suffix -er

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 words with the comparative suffix -er.

Key Notes

  • If the root word ends in 'y', remove the 'y' and add -ier.
  • If the root word ends in 'e', remove the 'e' and add -er.
  • If the root word contains a short vowel sound, double the consonant and add -er.
  • 'Good' is irregular as it does not follow the same pattern. Instead we have good, better and best.
  • How to spell the curriculum words: necessary and average.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • suffix: a letter or group of letters added to the end of a root word
  • root word: the base word from which other words are formed often by adding prefixes or suffixes
  • comparative: the form of an adjective or adverb that compares two or more things

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Pupils often forget to double the consonant when adding the suffix -er.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

If the root word ends in 'y', remove the 'y' and add -ier. If the root word ends in 'e', remove the 'e' and add -er.

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 forget to double the consonant when adding the suffix -er. Correction: Show non-examples when the consonant has not been doubled after a short vowel sound (hot-hoter). Explain how this alters our pronunciation.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 6 English guide library.