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      Using the suffix -ness

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can spell words using the suffix -ness.

      Key learning points

      1. The suffix -ness turns adjectives into abstract nouns.
      2. For most words, just add the suffix -ness.
      3. When a word ends in ‘y’, replace the ‘y’ with ‘i’, then add the suffix -ness.
      4. How to spell the curriculum words: heart, accident and accidentally.

      Keywords

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

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

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

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

      Common misconception

      The children mis-spell words ending in -ness with root words ending in 'y'.

      Focus on the pronounciation of the word. Stretch it slowly: happ-i-ness. The 'i' can be heard clearly making the 'ee' sound.

      Teacher tip

      Play word-match games – match the noun card to its adjective.

      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.
      Which type of nouns are: 'grumpiness', 'simplicity' and 'celebration'?

      common noun
      proper noun
      Correct answer: abstract noun

      Q2.
      Match the root word to the noun formed with the suffix -ity.

      Correct Answer:simple,simplicity
      Correct Answer:generous,generosity
      Correct Answer:valid,validity

      Q3.
      Match the words to the rule used for adding the suffix -ity.

      Correct Answer:real - reality,Just add the suffix.
      Correct Answer:curious - curiosity,The ‘ous’ changes to ‘os’ before the suffix is added.
      Correct Answer:active - activity,Remove the ‘e’, then add the suffix.
      Correct Answer:able - ability,Lose the ‘le’, then add -ility.

      Q4.
      Write the new word created by adding the suffix -ity to valid.

      Correct Answer: validity

      Q5.
      Write the new word created by adding the suffix -ity to generous.

      Correct Answer: generosity

      Q6.
      Correct the spelling of the word in bold in the sentence. This is the akchal football they played with in the match on TV.

      Correct Answer: actual

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      The words 'grumpiness', 'kindness' and 'happiness' are what type of noun?

      common noun
      proper noun
      Correct answer: abstract noun

      Q2.
      Match the root word to the noun formed with the suffix -ness.

      Correct Answer:lonely,loneliness
      Correct Answer:dark,darkness
      Correct Answer:aware,awareness

      Q3.
      Write the new word created by adding the suffix -ness to sad.

      Correct Answer: sadness

      Q4.
      Write the new word created by adding the suffix -ness to lazy.

      Correct Answer: laziness

      Q5.
      Correct the spelling of the word in bold in the sentence. My hart was beating so fast.

      Correct Answer: heart

      Q6.
      Correct the spelling of the word in bold in the sentence. I acsidently dropped my pen.

      Correct Answer: accidentally

      To help you plan your 4 English lesson on: Using the suffix -ness, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...