a letter or group of letters added to the end of a word to change its meaning

the base word from which other words are formed often by adding prefixes or suffixes

a speech sound produced with an open mouth

a sound that is made by blocking air in the mouth with the teeth, tongue, lips or palate

Spelling words with the suffixes -er and -est using alternative rules

English

In this unit, pupils learn the spelling and grammar conventions used with the suffixes -ly, -ful and -less.  In 'Prefixes, Homonyms and Homophones', pupils learn spelling and grammar conventions used with prefixes meaning 'not' and the spelling of homophones and homonyms.

In ‘Capital letters and numerals’, pupils learnt the spelling and grammar conventions used with common suffixes: -ed and -ing. In this unit, pupils build on this knowledge, learning the spelling and grammar conventions used with the suffixes -ly, -ful and -less.

More suffixes and silent letters

What is the correct spelling of the word in bold in this sentence: The story was **unpoppular** with the children.

Double the consonant after a short vowel, then add -est.

What happens when the suffix -est is added to a word such as 'early' or 'busy'?

Double the consonant after a short vowel, then add -er.

What happens when the suffix -er is added to a word such as 'sad' or 'red'?

Match the words to the rules that apply when adding the suffix -er.

Match the words to the rules that apply when adding the suffix -est.

Correct the spelling of the word in this sentence: Pizza is always **populer** at parties.

Identify the adjective in this sentence: The red ball rolled under the car.

How many syllables are in the following words: nicest, darkest, kindest.

Match the word to the suffix it contains.

What happens when the suffix -er is added to a word such as 'long' or 'cold'?

What happens when the suffix -est is added to a root word ending in 'e', such as 'safe' or 'brave'?

Correct the spelling of the word in bold in this sentence: It was **coldir** this morning.

Starter Quiz