Suffix Spelling Rules

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Apr 5

Written by: Brianna Guild, MHSc SLP

Updated: June 3, 2024

Morphology includes the study of word parts - prefixes, suffixes, roots, and base words. Explicit morphology instruction should include teaching the spelling rules for adding suffixes.

Are you teaching your students all of these suffix spelling rules?

1. Doubling Rule (1-1-1)

- If a word has 1 syllable, 1 vowel, and ends in 1 consonant, double the final consonant when adding a suffix that starts with a vowel (e.g., -ing, -ed, -er).

- Examples: hop + ing = hopping, plan + ed = planned, mad + est = maddest

2. Silent e Rule

- If a word ends in a silent e, drop the e when adding a suffix that starts with a vowel, but do not drop the e when adding a suffix that starts with a consonant.

- Examples: hope + ing = hoping, hope + ed = hoped, hope + ful = hopeful

3. y to i Rule

- If a word ends in a y after a consonant, change the y to an i when adding any suffix except one beginning with i (e.g., -ing, -ist), and for plural, change y to i then add -es.

- Examples: copy + ing = copying, copy + ed = copied, copy + s = copies

4. Plural -es Rules

- Add -es to words ending with s, sh, ch, x or z.

- Change f or fe to v then add -es.

- Examples: pass + es = passes, bench + es = benches, leaf + es = leaves

Activities for teaching suffix spelling rules

- Reading words with suffixes at word, sentence, and passage/connected text levels.

- Sorting words with suffixes into categories based on suffix spelling rule.

- Adding suffixes to roots or base words (e.g., hop + ing = hopping).

- Breaking apart words into root or base word and suffix (e.g., hopping = hop + ing).

- Spelling words with suffixes at word, sentence, and paragraph levels.

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