a letter or group of letters added to the start of a root word to change its meaning

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

a punctuation mark that can join a prefix to a base word to avoid spelling or meaning ambiguity

Using hyphens to join prefixes to root words

English

In this unit, pupils focus on spellings of key letters strings, words of French and Greek origin and curriculum words. In ‘Review and revision of all taught spelling’, pupils revise the full range of spelling content learnt across KS2. 

In ‘Homophones and tense', pupils learnt a range of spelling patterns and conventions, with a focus on homophones and suffixes. In this unit, pupils focus on spellings of key letters strings, words of French and Greek origin and curriculum words. 

Letter strings, etymology and curriculum words

Match these prefixes to the appropriate root words. 

A prefix almost always alters the spelling of a root word.

A prefix is added to the start of a root word to change its meaning.

A prefix is added to the end of a root word to change its meaning.

A prefix can sometimes be joined to a root word with a hyphen.

A prefix is always joined to a root word with a hyphen.

Select the statements about prefixes which are correct.

Fill in the gap in the following sentence: 'Luca decided to __________ from his position on the school council to focus on other activities.'

Fill in the gap in the following sentence: 'Dad decided to __________ the old chair with a bright, new fabric to make it look brand new.'

Select the words where a hyphen could be used to separate two vowels next to each other.

Correct the spelling of the word in bold in the following sentence: 'He had a tendency to **exadgerate** a story to make people laugh.'

What does the prefix co- usually mean? Example words are 'coordinate' or 'copilot'.

What does the prefix inter- usually mean? Example words are 'international' or 'intercity'.

to return to a normal state of health or strength after illness or setback

to get back something that was lost or misplaced

Correct the spelling of the word in bold in the following sentence: 'Please **reewind** the film.'

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Using hyphens to join prefixes to root words

Lesson outcome

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.