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Spelling words with the -able suffix

Lesson details

Learning outcome

I can spell words with the suffix -able and -ably.

Key learning points

  1. The -able and -ably endings are the most common spellings for this sound and are therefore the best bet.
  2. Removing the -able suffix generally leaves a recognisable word, e.g. understand - understandable
  3. Words in word families using the suffixes -ation, -able and -ably are connected in spelling and meaning.
  4. Drop the final -e of the root word before adding the suffix -able unless the words end in -ce or -ge
  5. How to spell the curriculum words: privilege, system.

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

Children mix up the -ible and -able spellings.

Use the rules shown in the lesson: Is there is a recognisable root word without the ending? Is this a modern word? Is there a related word ending in -ation? These will all help to identify the -able spelling.

Teacher tip

Allow pupils the opportunity to apply the different versions of a word in sentences orally to help them identify what 'sounds right'. Use my turn, your turn, to model simple sentences to apply any unfamiliar vocabulary correctly.

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.
What word class is the word in bold in the following sentence: 'This cat is adorable.'

verb
noun
Correct answer: adjective
adverb

Q2.
What word class is the word in bold in the following sentence: 'The kitten purred adorably.'

verb
noun
adjective
Correct answer: adverb

Q3.
Match the words ending in -able to their root word.

Correct Answer:enjoyable,enjoy

enjoy

Correct Answer:sustainable,sustain

sustain

Correct Answer:reliable,rely

rely

Q4.
Select the correct spelling.

tollerant
Correct answer: tolerant
tolerent
tollerent

Q5.
Select the correct spelling.

expectent
expectnt
Correct answer: expectant
expektant

Q6.
Identify the words with a 'soft g' sound.

Correct answer: gem
goal
Correct answer: bridge
Correct answer: courage
wagged

6 Questions

Q1.
Select the true statements that complete the following sentence: Words using the -able suffix ...

Correct answer: usually have a root word you can recognise.
do not usually have a recognisable root.
Correct answer: are more modern words.
are very old words.

Q2.
Match the root words to the words ending in -able.

Correct Answer:admire,admirable

admirable

Correct Answer:manage,manageable

manageable

Correct Answer:comfort,comfortable

comfortable

Q3.
Correct the spelling of the word in bold in the following sentence: 'This toy is a reasonible price.'

Correct Answer: reasonable

Q4.
Correct the spelling of the word in bold in the following sentence: 'The weather is chanjible today.'

Correct Answer: changeable

Q5.
Correct the spelling of the word in bold in the following sentence: 'You have proved yourself to be very relyible.'

Correct Answer: reliable

Q6.
Correct the spelling of the word in bold in the following sentence: 'The dove is a cymbal of peace.'

Correct Answer: symbol

To help you plan your 6 English lesson on: Spelling words with the -able suffix, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...