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      Spelling words with the suffixes -ary and -ery

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can spell words using the suffixes -ary and -ery.

      Key learning points

      1. The suffixes -ary and -ery can turn some words into nouns.
      2. The ending -ery is more common.
      3. When a word ends in a consonant, just add the suffix.
      4. When a word ends in ‘e’, remove the ‘e’, then add the suffix.
      5. How to spell the curriculum words: February, ordinary, necessary and interest.

      Keywords

      • 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

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

      • Verb - a doing, being or having word

      • Adjective - describes a noun

      Common misconception

      Pupils often miss out the 'e' or 'a' in words ending in -ery or -ary, as they are not always clearly pronounced.

      Identify the endings -ary and -ery in focus words. Say the words how they are spelt to help emphasise the vowel spellings.

      Teacher tip

      Allow pupils to group word cards with the endings -ary and -ery. Ask them to identify what word class the words are or could be. You could extend this to include words ending in -ory too.

      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 correct spelling of its ending.

      Correct Answer:factory,-ory
      Correct Answer:primary,-ary
      Correct Answer:bakery,-ery

      Q2.
      Match the word to its definition.

      Correct Answer:dictionary,a book that defines and explains words
      Correct Answer:ordinary,common or usual
      Correct Answer:necessary,something that's needed

      Q3.
      Match the word to its definition

      Correct Answer:bakery,a place that sells baked goods
      Correct Answer:nursery,a place that looks after young children
      Correct Answer:machinery,machines are mechanical devices

      Q4.
      Match the word to its root word.

      Correct Answer:bakery,bake
      Correct Answer:machinery,machine
      Correct Answer:stationary,station

      Q5.
      Write the correct spelling of the word in bold in the sentence. She runs a successful bizniss.

      Correct Answer: business

      Q6.
      Write the correct spelling of the word in bold in the sentence. It is a wonderful opertunitee to visit the museum.

      Correct Answer: opportunity

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What word class is the word in bold in this sentence? Where is the nearest bakery?

      adjective
      Correct answer: noun
      verb

      Q2.
      Match these words to their root word.

      Correct Answer:machine,machinery
      Correct Answer:pot,pottery
      Correct Answer:jewel,jewellery

      Q3.
      Correct the spelling of the word in bold in the sentence. I would love to visit an art galry.

      Correct Answer: gallery

      Q4.
      Correct the spelling of the word in bold in the sentence. The children stepped out of the nursree.

      Correct Answer: nursery

      Q5.
      Correct the spelling of the word in bold in the sentence. I go to primree school.

      Correct Answer: primary

      Q6.
      Correct the spelling of the word in bold in the sentence. My brother goes to secundree school.

      Correct Answer: secondary

      To help you plan your 5 English lesson on: Spelling words with the suffixes -ary and -ery, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...