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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 15 of 16
New
New
- Year 6
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.
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
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.
Refer to the Year 6 Grammar Unit 'Punctuation' to explore the use and purposes of a hyphen more explicitly.
Teacher tip
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Select the prefixes.
Select the prefixes.
abc
first
-ly
Q2.What does the prefix co- usually mean? Example words are 'coordinate' or 'copilot'.
What does the prefix co- usually mean? Example words are 'coordinate' or 'copilot'.
before
against
Q3.What does the prefix inter- usually mean? Example words are 'international' or 'intercity'.
What does the prefix inter- usually mean? Example words are 'international' or 'intercity'.
under or nearly
make the opposite or undo
Q4.What does the word 'recover' mean?
What does the word 'recover' mean?
to get back something that was lost or misplaced
to find or learn something again
Q5.Match these words to their meanings.
Match these words to their meanings.
Q6.Correct the spelling of the word in bold in the following sentence: 'Please reewind the film.'
Correct the spelling of the word in bold in the following sentence: 'Please reewind the film.'
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match these prefixes to the appropriate root words.
Match these prefixes to the appropriate root words.
Q2.Select the statements about prefixes which are correct.
Select the statements about prefixes which are correct.
A prefix almost always alters the spelling of a root word.
A prefix is added to the end of a root word to change its meaning.
A prefix is always joined to a root word with a hyphen.
Q3.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: 'Luca decided to __________ from his position on the school council to focus on other activities.'
re-sign
re-cover
recover
Q4.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.'
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.'
re-sign
resign
recover
Q5.Select the words where a hyphen could be used to separate two vowels next to each other.
Select the words where a hyphen could be used to separate two vowels next to each other.
redo
cohabit
Q6.Correct the spelling of the word in bold in the following sentence: 'He had a tendency to exadgerate a story to make people laugh.'
Correct the spelling of the word in bold in the following sentence: 'He had a tendency to exadgerate a story to make people laugh.'
