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Year 6 - English

Using the suffix -ed to form the past tense

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 suffix -ed.

Key Notes

  • If the root word contains a short vowel sound, double the consonant and add the suffix -ed.
  • If the root word ends in 'y', remove the 'y' and add -ied unless there is a vowel before the 'y'.
  • If the root word is a verb that ends in 'e', remove the 'e' and add -ed.
  • There are specific rules for words containing the stressed or unstressed 'fer' spelling.
  • How to spell the curriculum words: determined, suggest.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • suffix: a letter or group of letters added to the end of a root word
  • past tense: shows that the action happened before now
  • root word: the base word from which other words are formed often by adding prefixes or suffixes
  • vowel sound: the specific sound produced by a vowel when pronounced
  • stressed: an emphasised sound

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Children misspell the 'ough' letter string, like in irregular past tense verbs 'thought' or 'fought'.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

If the root word contains a short vowel sound, double the consonant and add the suffix -ed. If the root word ends in 'y', remove the 'y' and add -ied unless there is a vowel before the 'y'.

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: Children misspell the 'ough' letter string, like in irregular past tense verbs 'thought' or 'fought'. Correction: Use the phrase 'oh you grumpy hippo' to remember the sequence of letters: o u g h.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 6 English guide library.