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      Spelling words with the suffix "-ly"

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can change adjectives into adverbs by adding the suffix -ly.

      Key learning points

      1. -ly is a suffix that can be used to create adverbs. For most words just add -ly.
      2. For words ending in 'ic' add -ally.
      3. For two syllablle root words ending in 'y', remove the 'y', add -ily.
      4. For root words ending in 'le', remove the 'le', add -ly.
      5. How to spell the curriculum word: build.

      Keywords

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

      • Adverb - describes a verb

      • Adjective - describes a noun

      • Verb - a doing or being word

      • Suffix - a letter or group of letters added to the end of a word to change its meaning

      Common misconception

      Children write words like 'basically' how they sound: 'basicly'.

      Show the root words ending in 'ic' and how -ally is added. Say the words how they are spelt to help remember.

      Teacher tip

      There are three addtional exceptions that you can share with your class if appropriate: wholly, duly and truly. Only share exceptions to the rules if pupils are secure on the key spelling patterns.

      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.
      Match the word to the suffix it contains.

      Correct Answer:slowly,-ly

      -ly

      Correct Answer:sunny,-y

      -y

      Correct Answer:tallest,-est

      -est

      Correct Answer:funnier,-er

      -er

      Q2.
      What rule is used when 'stone' becomes 'stony' when adding the suffix -y?

      Just add -y.
      Correct answer: Remove the ‘e’, add -y.
      Double the consonant, add -y.

      Q3.
      What rule is used when 'fog' becomes 'foggy'?

      Just add -y.
      Remove the ‘e’, add -y.
      Correct answer: Double the consonant, add -y.

      Q4.
      Match the words to the rules that apply when adding the suffix -y.

      Correct Answer:cloud - cloudy,Just add -y.

      Just add -y.

      Correct Answer:smoke - smoky,Remove the ‘e’, add -y.

      Remove the ‘e’, add -y.

      Correct Answer:mud - muddy,Double the consonant, add -y.

      Double the consonant, add -y.

      Q5.
      Choose the correct spelling of the word in bold in this sentence: It is too noizy in here!

      noisey
      Correct answer: noisy
      noizy
      noizey

      Q6.
      Choose the correct spelling of the word in bold in this sentence: Be careful on the slipy stairs.

      slippey
      Correct answer: slippy
      slipey
      slipy

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Select the adverb in this sentence: The cat walks slowly.

      the
      cat
      walks
      Correct answer: slowly

      Q2.
      What rule is used when 'quick' becomes 'quickly' when adding the suffix -ly?

      Correct answer: Just add -ly.
      Remove the ‘e’, add -ly.
      Remove the ‘y’, add -ily.
      Add -ally.

      Q3.
      What rule is used when 'simple' becomes 'simply' when adding the suffix -ly?

      Just add -ly.
      Correct answer: Remove the ‘e’, add -ly.
      Remove the ‘y’, add -ily.
      Add -ally.

      Q4.
      What rule is used when 'happy' becomes 'happily' when adding the suffix -ly?

      Just add -ly.
      Remove the ‘e’, add -ly.
      Correct answer: Remove the ‘y’, add -ily.
      Add -ally.

      Q5.
      What rule is used when 'basic' becomes 'basically' when adding the suffix -ly?

      Just add -ly.
      Remove the ‘e’, add -ly.
      Remove the ‘y’, add -ily.
      Correct answer: Add -ally.

      Q6.
      Correct the spelling of the word in bold in this sentence: I would like to bild a bridge.

      Correct Answer: build

      To help you plan your 3 English lesson on: Spelling words with the suffix "-ly", download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...