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Spelling words with the suffixes -ant and -ance

Lesson details

Learning outcome

I can spell words with the suffixes -ant and -ance for the sounds 'unt' and 'unce'.

Key learning points

  1. The suffixes -ant and -ance are used if there is a related word with the 'a' or 'ay' sound in the right position.
  2. Changing the -ant suffix to -ance can change the word from an adjective to an abstract noun.
  3. The suffix -ant sometimes becomes -ancy, e.g. pregnant-pregnancy.
  4. Examples of words that do not follow the above guidance and just need to be learned: assistant-assistance.
  5. How to spell the curriculum words: nuisance, sincere and guarantee.

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

  • Abstract noun - a type of noun that names an idea or quality that cannot be seen

  • Adjective - describes a noun

  • Noun - a naming word for a person, place or thing

Common misconception

Pupils may easily confuse the vowels in -ant and -ent spellings.

Say the word clearly how it is spelt in order to emphasise the vowel spellings.

Teacher tip

Use word cards with -ant and -ation words on them and encourage pupils to match related words. Ask pupils to say the words out loud within a sentence, to help reinforce pronunciation and meaning.

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 is the definition of 'suffix'?

Correct answer: a letter or group of letters added to the end of a word to change its meaning
the base word from which other words are formed by adding prefixes or suffixes
a letter or group of letters added to the start of a word to change its meaning

Q2.
Match the word to the definition.

Correct Answer:independent,self-reliant, not controlled by others

self-reliant, not controlled by others

Correct Answer:constant,unchanging

unchanging

Correct Answer:assistant,someone who helps or supports another person in their work or tasks

someone who helps or supports another person in their work or tasks

Q3.
Select the words with a 'soft c' in them.

Correct answer: city
cat
Correct answer: century
arc

Q4.
Select the words with a 'soft g' in them.

gorilla
Correct answer: gem
Correct answer: giant
go

Q5.
Select the words containing the 'ay' sound.

Correct answer: station
said
aisle
Correct answer: break
Correct answer: pane

Q6.
Correct the spelling of the word in bold in the following sentence: 'My nieghbor is incredibly kind and friendly.'

Correct Answer: neighbour

6 Questions

Q1.
Select the correct spelling.

Correct answer: significant
significent
signifikant
signifikent

Q2.
Select the correct spelling.

hezitance
Correct answer: hesitance
hesitence
hezitence

Q3.
Select the correct spelling.

expectansy
expetensy
Correct answer: expectancy
expectency

Q4.
Choose the correct spelling.

induljence
indulgance
Correct answer: indulgence

Q5.
Correct the spelling of the word in bold in the following sentence: 'The asisstent had organised the files efficiently.'

Correct Answer: assistant

Q6.
Correct the spelling of the word in bold in the following sentence: 'Please show tolurence and respect in our school.'

Correct Answer: tolerance

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