Suffix Spelling Rules
Written by: Brianna Guild, MHSc SLP(C)
Date: April 5, 2024
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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References:
Sedita, J. (2022). The Writing Rope: A Framework for Explicit Writing Instruction in All Subjects. Brookes Publishing.