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.
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.
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.
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
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
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