Using hyphens to join prefixes to root words
I can identify when to use a hyphen to join a prefix to a root word.
Using hyphens to join prefixes to root words
I can identify when to use a hyphen to join a prefix to a root word.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- A hyphen can be used to join a prefix to a root word but there are no set rules.
- Hyphens are more commonly used to prevent two vowels appearing next to each other e.g. re-enter and co-ordinate.
- Hyphens are often used with the prefixes ex- and self- e.g. ex-president and self-care.
- Hyphens can join a prefix to a root word to avoid ambiguity in meaning e.g. re-cover or recover.
- How to spell the curriculum words: interrupt and exaggerate.
Keywords
Prefix - a letter or group of letters added to the start of a root word to change its meaning
Root word - the base word from which other words are formed often by adding prefixes or suffixes
Hyphen - a punctuation mark that can join a prefix to a base word to avoid spelling or meaning ambiguity
Common misconception
Pupils may start using hyphens for all prefixes.
Emphasise that not all prefixes require a hyphen - some prefixes use them more frequently, but others rarely do.
To help you plan your year 6 english lesson on: Using hyphens to join prefixes to root words, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 6 english lesson on: Using hyphens to join prefixes to root words, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 2 english lessons from the Letter strings, etymology and curriculum words unit, dive into the full secondary english curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
sign again
a former (past) wife
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Exit quiz
6 Questions
negotiable
centred
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existing