Key learning points

1. Most words in English with the -able or -ible suffix will use -able.
2. Removing the -able suffix generally leaves a recognisable word, e.g. agreeable - agree.
3. Words in word families using the suffixes -ation, -able and -ably are connected in spelling and meaning.
4. If the root word ends in ‘ce’ or ‘ge’, keep the ‘e’ before adding -able.
5. How to spell the curriculum words: symbol, system and identity.

Keywords

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

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

• Adjective - describes a noun

• Adverb - describes a verb

Common misconception