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      Spelling words with the suffix -able

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can spell words using the suffix -able.

      Key learning points

      1. Most words in English with the -able or -ible suffix will use -able.
      2. Removing the -able suffix generally leaves a recognisable word, e.g. agreeable - agree.
      3. Words in word families using the suffixes -ation, -able and -ably are connected in spelling and meaning.
      4. If the root word ends in ‘ce’ or ‘ge’, keep the ‘e’ before adding -able.
      5. How to spell the curriculum words: symbol, system and identity.

      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.
      What happens when the suffix -al is added to the root word 'nature'?

      Just add the suffix.
      Correct answer: Remove the ‘e’, then add the suffix.
      Keep the ‘e’ and just add the suffix.

      Q5.
      What happens when the suffix -al is added to the root word 'person'?

      Correct answer: Just add the suffix.
      Remove the ‘e’, then add the suffix.
      Keep the ‘e’ and just add the suffix.

      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 to complete this 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 reesnible 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 5 English lesson on: Spelling words with the suffix -able, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...