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      Adding the suffix -ify to words

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can turn adjectives and nouns into verbs using the suffix -ify.

      Key learning points

      1. The suffix -ify often turns adjectives and nouns into verbs.
      2. When the root word ends in a consonant, we often just add the suffix.
      3. When the root word ends in a vowel, we remove the final vowel and add the suffix.
      4. When the root word ends in a ‘y’, we remove the ‘y’ and add the suffix.
      5. How to spell the curriculum words: mention, position and early.

      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

      • Adjective - describes a noun

      • Noun - a naming word for people, places or things

      • Verb - a doing, being or having word

      Common misconception

      Children cannot remember the dictated sentence because it is too abstract.

      Give context to the sentence, such as imagine someone is applying to be part of a netball team. This is what the coach asks. Add images.

      Teacher tip

      Use the pupils' own misconceptions when reviewing spellings for the practice tasks. Talk through what contributes to the correct or incorrect spelling with reference to previous phonics and spelling rules taught.

      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 each word to the correct word class.

      Correct Answer:flat,adjective

      adjective

      Correct Answer:flatten,verb

      verb

      Correct Answer:length,noun

      noun

      Q2.
      Match the verbs to the rule they have used when the suffix -en was added.

      Correct Answer:widen,Remove the final vowel, then add the suffix.

      Remove the final vowel, then add the suffix.

      Correct Answer:lengthen,Just add the suffix.

      Just add the suffix.

      Correct Answer:flatten,Double the consonant, then add the suffix.

      Double the consonant, then add the suffix.

      Correct Answer:listen,No obvious root word.

      No obvious root word.

      Q3.
      Select the verbs from the words below.

      Correct answer: flatten
      flat
      Correct answer: lengthen
      length

      Q4.
      Select the verbs from the words below.

      Correct answer: formulate
      formula
      active
      Correct answer: activate

      Q5.
      Choose the correct spelling of the word in bold in the sentence. Please considr his feelings.

      considur
      Correct answer: consider
      considir
      considr

      Q6.
      Choose the correct spelling of the word in bold in the sentence. I will deapn my understanding of this topic by reading a book about it.

      Correct Answer: deepen

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Match each word to the correct word class.

      Correct Answer:simple,adjective

      adjective

      Correct Answer:simplify,verb

      verb

      Correct Answer:beauty,noun

      noun

      Q2.
      Match the verbs to the rule they have used when the suffix -ify has been added.

      Correct Answer:simplify,Remove the final vowel, then add the suffix.

      Remove the final vowel, then add the suffix.

      Correct Answer:solidify,Just add the suffix.

      Just add the suffix.

      Correct Answer:terrify,No obvious root word.

      No obvious root word.

      Correct Answer:beautify,Remove the 'y', then add the suffix.

      Remove the 'y', then add the suffix.

      Q3.
      Choose the correct spelling of the word in bold in the sentence. Spiders terify me.

      terryfy
      Correct answer: terrify
      terify

      Q4.
      Choose the correct spelling of the word in bold in the sentence. Please menshun that we have space in our classroom.

      menshun
      Correct answer: mention
      mension
      menshn

      Q5.
      Correct the spelling of the word in bold in the sentence. We must puriffigh this water before drinking it.

      Correct Answer: purify

      Q6.
      Correct the spelling of the word in bold in the sentence. Please spesiffy which position you want to play.

      Correct Answer: specify

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