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Primary English · Year 2Chapter 2 · Spelling rules and endings
Year 2 · Chapter 2

Spelling rules and endings

By the end of this chapter you will be able to

  • Add -es to a word ending in a consonant and y, and keep the y in keys and monkeys
  • Add -ed, -ing, -er and -est to words ending in y
  • Drop the e before an ending that starts with a vowel, such as hoping and nicer
  • Double the last letter of a short word, such as hopping and bigger
  • Add -ment, -ness, -ful, -less and -ly, and name the suffix
  • Spell contractions, and use an apostrophe for one owner

You should already know

  • Adding -s, -es, -ing, -ed and -er to root words (Year 1)
  • Contractions such as don't and it's, and the prefix un- (Year 1)

Where this leads

  • Common exception words and homophones (Chapter 3)
  • Nouns, verbs and adjectives, and the words they take (Chapters 4 to 6)

National Curriculum for England, Key Stage 1 English, Year 2. Content: Add -es to nouns and verbs ending in y (the y changes to i), Add -ed, -ing, -er and -est to words ending in y, Drop the e before -ing, -ed, -er, -est and -y (being is the exception), Double the final consonant of a short word with one vowel before -ing, -ed, -er and -est, Add the suffixes -ment, -ness, -ful, -less and -ly to words, Spell contracted forms, such as I'll, we're and won't, The singular possessive apostrophe (the boy's coat), and -tion words such as station.

Exercise P  Do you remember?

1
FWhich ending do we add to jump to make jumped?
2
FWrite the plural of box.
3
FWrite the root word of helping.
4
FWrite the root word of walked.
5
FAdd -er to tall. Write the new word.
2.1

Words ending in y: adding -es

Year 2
Add -es to nouns and verbs ending in a consonant and y (the y changes to i), Keep the y when a vowel comes before it: add s
Video lesson: Words ending in y: adding -esComing soon
A shop. Look at the words in this section.

Some nouns and verbs end in y. Look at the letter before the y.

If it is a consonant, change the y to i. Then add es.

A baby becomes babies. A city becomes cities.

Verbs follow the same rule: he tries, she carries.

If a vowel comes before the y, keep the y and add s. A key becomes keys.

WordLetter before the yNew word
babyb (a consonant)babies
cityt (a consonant)cities
keye (a vowel)keys
monkeye (a vowel)monkeys
Change the y only when a consonant comes before it.

Key ideas

  • Consonant before y: change the y to i, then add es.
  • baby becomes babies. city becomes cities.
  • Vowel before y: keep the y, and just add s.
  • key becomes keys. monkey becomes monkeys.
  • Verbs work the same way: he tries, she carries.
Worked example 2.1.1
Write the plural of city.

Key words. A suffix is a group of letters added to the end of a word.

Method. Add the ending to city with the right spelling rule.

  1. Look at the root word. The root word is city. Look at its last letter, and the letter before it.
    city
  2. Choose the rule: change y to i, then add es. A consonant comes before the y, so the y changes to i and es is added.
    Change y to i, then add es
  3. Make the change. Put the ending on the word, with the spelling change.
    citi + es = cities
  4. Write the answer.
    cities

Check. city + the ending makes cities. ✓

Watch out. Write the i, not the y: babies, not babyes.

Worked example 2.1.2
Write the word for: Sam ___ the bag. Use the word carry.

Key words. A suffix is a group of letters added to the end of a word.

Method. Add the ending to carry with the right spelling rule.

  1. Look at the root word. The root word is carry. Look at its last letter, and the letter before it.
    carry
  2. Choose the rule: change y to i, then add es. A consonant comes before the y, so the y changes to i and es is added.
    Change y to i, then add es
  3. Make the change. Put the ending on the word, with the spelling change.
    carri + es = carries
  4. Write the answer.
    carries

Check. carry + the ending makes carries. ✓

Watch out. Write the i, not the y: babies, not babyes.

Worked example 2.1.3
Write the plural of monkey.

Key words. A suffix is a group of letters added to the end of a word.

Method. Add the ending to monkey with the right spelling rule.

  1. Look at the root word. The root word is monkey. Look at its last letter, and the letter before it.
    monkey
  2. Choose the rule: add s. A vowel comes before the y, so the y stays. Just add s.
    Add s
  3. Make the change. Put the ending on the word, with the spelling change.
    monkey + s = monkeys
  4. Write the answer.
    monkeys

Check. monkey + the ending makes monkeys. ✓

Watch out. Keep the y when a vowel comes before it: keys, not keies.

Watch out

Watch out: do not write babys or keyes. Babies changes the y to i. Keys keeps the y.

Exam tip

Grown-up tip. Point to the letter before the y in each word. Ask: is it a, e, i, o or u? If yes, add s. If no, change the y to i and add es. Sort the words into two piles, and read them aloud.

Exercise 2A  Practice: adding -es and keeping the y

1
FWrite the plural of baby.
2
FWrite the plural of story.
3
FWrite the plural of party.
4
FWrite the plural of city.
5
FWrite the plural of toy.
6
FWrite the plural of key.
7
PSAli wrote babys. Write it correctly.
8
PSEvery day Ben ___ to tidy his room. Use the word try.
9
PSThe postman ___ letters every day. Use the word carry.
10
RLily says the plural of donkey is donkies. Is she right? Explain.
2.2

Words ending in y: adding -ed, -ing, -er and -est

Year 2
Change y to i before -ed, -er and -est (after a consonant), Keep the y before -ing, Keep the y when a vowel comes before it (played)
Video lesson: Words ending in y: adding -ed, -ing, -er and -estComing soon
A park. Look at the words in this section.

Some root words end in a consonant and y, such as carry and happy.

Before -ed, -er or -est, change the y to i: carried, happier, happiest.

Before -ing, keep the y: carrying, hurrying.

If a vowel comes before the y, keep the y: played, enjoyed, playing.

Root word+ ed+ ing
carrycarriedcarrying
hurryhurriedhurrying
playplayedplaying
The y changes to i before -ed, and stays before -ing.

Key ideas

  • Consonant + y: change the y to i before -ed, -er and -est.
  • carry becomes carried. happy becomes happier.
  • Before -ing, keep the y: carrying, hurrying.
  • Vowel + y: keep the y: played, enjoying.
Worked example 2.2.1
Write the -ed word for hurry.

Key words. A suffix is a group of letters added to the end of a word.

Method. Add the ending to hurry with the right spelling rule.

  1. Look at the root word. The root word is hurry. Look at its last letter, and the letter before it.
    hurry
  2. Choose the rule: change y to i. A consonant comes before the y, so the y changes to i before -ed.
    Change y to i
  3. Make the change. Put the ending on the word, with the spelling change.
    hurri + ed = hurried
  4. Write the answer.
    hurried

Check. hurry + the ending makes hurried. ✓

Watch out. Change the y to i before -ed, but keep the y before -ing.

Worked example 2.2.2
Write the -er word for happy.

Key words. A suffix is a group of letters added to the end of a word.

Method. Add the ending to happy with the right spelling rule.

  1. Look at the root word. The root word is happy. Look at its last letter, and the letter before it.
    happy
  2. Choose the rule: change y to i. A consonant comes before the y, so the y changes to i before -er.
    Change y to i
  3. Make the change. Put the ending on the word, with the spelling change.
    happi + er = happier
  4. Write the answer.
    happier

Check. happy + the ending makes happier. ✓

Watch out. Change the y to i before -er, but keep the y before -ing.

Worked example 2.2.3
Write the -ed word for play.

Key words. A suffix is a group of letters added to the end of a word.

Method. Add the ending to play with the right spelling rule.

  1. Look at the root word. The root word is play. Look at its last letter, and the letter before it.
    play
  2. Choose the rule: keep the y. A vowel comes before the y, so the y stays.
    Keep the y
  3. Make the change. Put the ending on the word, with the spelling change.
    play + ed = played
  4. Write the answer.
    played

Check. play + the ending makes played. ✓

Watch out. Keep the y when a vowel comes before it: played, not plaied.

Watch out

Watch out: a vowel before the y keeps the y. Write played, not plaied. After a consonant, the y changes: tried, not trried.

Exam tip

Grown-up tip. Ask your child: is the letter before the y a vowel? Then say the word with -ed, -er, or -ing and listen to the spelling together. Write each pair on a card, one above the other.

Exercise 2B  Practice: y before -ed, -ing, -er and -est

1
FAdd -ed to carry.
2
FAdd -ing to hurry.
3
FAdd -ed to enjoy.
4
FAdd -er to tidy.
5
FAdd -est to happy.
6
FAdd -ing to enjoy.
7
PSSam ___ his room yesterday. Use tidy and add -ed.
8
PSThe puppy is ___ with a ball now. Use play and add -ing.
9
PSDad was ___ about the storm. Use worry and add -ed.
10
RMia writes playied. Is she right? Explain.
2.3

Dropping the e before -ing, -ed, -er, -est and -y

Year 2
Drop the e before an ending that starts with a vowel, Be is the exception: being, Keep the e before -ful, -less, -ness and -ment
Video lesson: Dropping the e before -ing, -ed, -er, -est and -yComing soon
A kitchen. Look at the words in this section.

Many words end in a silent e, such as bake, smile and nice.

Before an ending that starts with a vowel (-ing, -ed, -er, -est, -y), drop the e.

bake becomes baking. nice becomes nicer.

The word be is the exception: being.

Keep the e before a consonant ending: careful, hopeless, excitement.

WordEndingNew word
smile-ingsmiling
wide-erwider
shine-yshiny
be-ingbeing
Drop the e before an ending that starts with a vowel.

Key ideas

  • Silent e at the end: drop the e before -ing, -ed, -er, -est or -y.
  • bake becomes baking. nice becomes nicer.
  • Be is an exception: being.
  • Keep the e before -ful, -less and -ment: careful, hopeless.
Worked example 2.3.1
Write the -ing word for smile.

Key words. A suffix is a group of letters added to the end of a word.

Method. Add the ending to smile with the right spelling rule.

  1. Look at the root word. The root word is smile. Look at its last letter, and the letter before it.
    smile
  2. Choose the rule: drop the e. The word ends in e, and -ing starts with a vowel, so the e goes.
    Drop the e
  3. Make the change. Put the ending on the word, with the spelling change.
    smil + ing = smiling
  4. Write the answer.
    smiling

Check. smile + the ending makes smiling. ✓

Watch out. Drop the e before -ing: hoping, not hopeing.

Worked example 2.3.2
Write the -er word for wide.

Key words. A suffix is a group of letters added to the end of a word.

Method. Add the ending to wide with the right spelling rule.

  1. Look at the root word. The root word is wide. Look at its last letter, and the letter before it.
    wide
  2. Choose the rule: drop the e. The word ends in e, and -er starts with a vowel, so the e goes.
    Drop the e
  3. Make the change. Put the ending on the word, with the spelling change.
    wid + er = wider
  4. Write the answer.
    wider

Check. wide + the ending makes wider. ✓

Watch out. Drop the e before -er: nicer, not niceer.

Worked example 2.3.3
Write the -y word for shine.

Key words. A suffix is a group of letters added to the end of a word.

Method. Add the ending to shine with the right spelling rule.

  1. Look at the root word. The root word is shine. Look at its last letter, and the letter before it.
    shine
  2. Choose the rule: drop the e. The word ends in e, and -y starts with a vowel, so the e goes.
    Drop the e
  3. Make the change. Put the ending on the word, with the spelling change.
    shin + y = shiny
  4. Write the answer.
    shiny

Check. shine + the ending makes shiny. ✓

Watch out. Drop the e before -y: nicer, not niceer.

Watch out

Watch out: write hoping, not hopeing. The e goes before -ing. Be is special: being.

Exam tip

Grown-up tip. Ask your child to cover the ending with a finger. Is there a silent e at the end? If the ending starts with a vowel, take the e away. Say the word aloud with each ending.

Exercise 2C  Practice: dropping the e

1
FAdd -ing to hope.
2
FAdd -ed to bake.
3
FAdd -er to nice.
4
FAdd -est to brave.
5
FAdd -er to dance. Write the word for a person who dances.
6
FAdd -y to noise.
7
PSThe bus is ___ than the car. Use large and add -er.
8
PSWrite the -ing form of be.
9
PSTom is ___ a letter to Gran. Use write and add -ing.
10
RAli says hopeing is right. Is he right? Explain.
2.4

Doubling the final consonant

Year 2
Double the last letter of a short word with one vowel before -ing, -ed, -er and -est, Do not double when the word ends in two consonants
Video lesson: Doubling the final consonantComing soon
A playground. Look at the words in this section.

Some short words have one vowel and end in one consonant, such as hop, run and big.

Before an ending that starts with a vowel, double the last consonant: hopping, running, bigger.

If the word ends in two consonants, do not double: jumping, helped.

Do not double w, x or y at the end: snowing, fixed, playing.

Root wordLetters at the endNew word
hopone vowel, one consonanthopping
bigone vowel, one consonantbigger
jumptwo consonantsjumping
Double the consonant only for a short word with one vowel and one consonant at the end.

Key ideas

  • One vowel and one consonant at the end: double the consonant.
  • hop becomes hopping. big becomes bigger.
  • Two consonants at the end: do not double. jump becomes jumped.
  • Words ending in w, x or y are not doubled: snow, fix, play.
Worked example 2.4.1
Write the -ing word for hop.

Key words. A suffix is a group of letters added to the end of a word.

Method. Add the ending to hop with the right spelling rule.

  1. Look at the root word. The root word is hop. Look at its last letter, and the letter before it.
    hop
  2. Choose the rule: double the last letter. One vowel and one consonant at the end of a short word: double the consonant.
    Double the last letter
  3. Make the change. Put the ending on the word, with the spelling change.
    hop + p + ing = hopping
  4. Write the answer.
    hopping

Check. hop + the ending makes hopping. ✓

Watch out. Double the last letter of a short word: hopping, not hoping.

Worked example 2.4.2
Write the -er word for big.

Key words. A suffix is a group of letters added to the end of a word.

Method. Add the ending to big with the right spelling rule.

  1. Look at the root word. The root word is big. Look at its last letter, and the letter before it.
    big
  2. Choose the rule: double the last letter. One vowel and one consonant at the end of a short word: double the consonant.
    Double the last letter
  3. Make the change. Put the ending on the word, with the spelling change.
    big + g + er = bigger
  4. Write the answer.
    bigger

Check. big + the ending makes bigger. ✓

Watch out. Double the last letter before -er: bigger, not biger.

Worked example 2.4.3
Write the -ing word for help.

Key words. A suffix is a group of letters added to the end of a word.

Method. Add the ending to help with the right spelling rule.

  1. Look at the root word. The root word is help. Look at its last letter, and the letter before it.
    help
  2. Choose the rule: add the ending. Just add -ing to the end of the word.
    Add the ending
  3. Make the change. Put the ending on the word, with the spelling change.
    help + ing = helping
  4. Write the answer.
    helping

Check. help + the ending makes helping. ✓

Watch out. Check whether the word is short with one vowel first.

Watch out

Watch out: hopping has two p letters, but helping has one p. Ask: is there one vowel and one consonant at the end?

Exam tip

Grown-up tip. Clap the syllables first: hop has one clap. Then ask: one vowel and one consonant at the end? Write the short word, then the new word, and count the letters together.

Exercise 2D  Practice: doubling the final consonant

1
FAdd -ing to run.
2
FAdd -ing to sit.
3
FAdd -ed to stop.
4
FAdd -ing to tap.
5
FAdd -er to hot.
6
FAdd -est to wet.
7
PSThe frog ___ into the pond. Use jump and add -ed.
8
PSThe duck is ___ across the pond. Use swim and add -ing.
9
PSWrite the word for a person who swims. Use swim and add -er.
10
RElla says jumpping is right. Is she right? Explain.
2.5

Adding the suffixes -ment, -ness, -ful, -less and -ly

Year 2
Add -ment, -ness, -ful, -less and -ly to words, Name the suffix at the end of a word, Change y to i before -ness and -ly; change -le to -ly
Video lesson: Adding the suffixes -ment, -ness, -ful, -less and -lyComing soon
A school. Look at the words in this section.

A suffix is a group of letters added to the end of a word. kind + ness = kindness.

Use these suffixes to make longer words: -ment, -ness, -ful, -less and -ly.

These endings start with a consonant, so the root word stays whole: care + ful = careful.

After a consonant and y, the y changes to i: happy becomes happiness and happily.

A word ending in -le changes to -ly: gentle becomes gently.

Root wordSuffixNew word
kind-nesskindness
care-fulcareful
happy-lyhappily
gentle-lygently
The suffix is the group of letters added at the end.

Key ideas

  • A suffix is added to the end of a word: kind + ness = kindness.
  • Keep the root word whole: care + ful = careful.
  • Consonant + y: change the y to i before -ness and -ly.
  • A word ending in -le: gentle becomes gently.
Worked example 2.5.1
Write the word: use + -ful.

Key words. A suffix is a group of letters added to the end of a word.

Method. Add the ending to use with the right spelling rule.

  1. Look at the root word. The root word is use. Look at its last letter, and the letter before it.
    use
  2. Choose the rule: add the ending. The ending starts with a consonant, so the root word stays whole: use.
    Add the ending
  3. Make the change. Put the ending on the word, with the spelling change.
    use + ful = useful
  4. Write the answer.
    useful

Check. use + the ending makes useful. ✓

Watch out. Keep the whole root word: careful, not carful.

Worked example 2.5.2
Write the word: kind + -ness.

Key words. A suffix is a group of letters added to the end of a word.

Method. Add the ending to kind with the right spelling rule.

  1. Look at the root word. The root word is kind. Look at its last letter, and the letter before it.
    kind
  2. Choose the rule: add the ending. The ending starts with a consonant, so the root word stays whole: kind.
    Add the ending
  3. Make the change. Put the ending on the word, with the spelling change.
    kind + ness = kindness
  4. Write the answer.
    kindness

Check. kind + the ending makes kindness. ✓

Watch out. Keep the whole root word: careful, not carful.

Worked example 2.5.3
Write the word: happy + -ly.

Key words. A suffix is a group of letters added to the end of a word.

Method. Add the ending to happy with the right spelling rule.

  1. Look at the root word. The root word is happy. Look at its last letter, and the letter before it.
    happy
  2. Choose the rule: change y to i. A consonant comes before the y, so the y changes to i before -ly.
    Change y to i
  3. Make the change. Put the ending on the word, with the spelling change.
    happi + ly = happily
  4. Write the answer.
    happily

Check. happy + the ending makes happily. ✓

Watch out. Change the y to i before -ly: happiness, not happyness.

Watch out

Watch out: careful has one l, not two, before the -ly ending. Write carefully, with the l kept and then -ly added. Happiness changes y to i.

Exam tip

Grown-up tip. Ask: what is the root word? What is the suffix? Read the new word aloud. Talk about what the new word means: kindness is the state of being kind.

Exercise 2E  Practice: suffixes -ment, -ness, -ful, -less and -ly

1
FWhat is the suffix in kindness?
2
FAdd -ment to enjoy.
3
FAdd -ful to help.
4
FAdd -less to care.
5
FAdd -ness to sad.
6
FAdd -ly to quick.
7
PSPlease be ___ on the stairs. Use care and add -ful.
8
PSThe class shared ___ at the party. Use happy and add -ness.
9
PSThe old chair was ___. Nobody could sit on it. Add -less to use.
10
RWrite the word that means full of hope. Then write the word that means with no hope.
2.6

Contractions: I’ll, we’re and won’t

Year 2
Spell contracted forms of two words, Use an apostrophe where letters are missing, Know that will not becomes won’t
Video lesson: Contractions: I’ll, we’re and won’tComing soon
A bedroom. Look at the words in this section.

A contraction joins two words into one short word. Some letters are left out.

An apostrophe (’) takes the place of the letters left out: I will becomes I’ll.

They are becomes they’re. I have becomes I’ve.

Will not is special. It becomes won’t.

Full wordsShort formLetters left out
I willI’llwi
they arethey’rea
I haveI’veha
was notwasn’to
The apostrophe shows where the letters were.

Key ideas

  • An apostrophe shows where letters are left out.
  • I will becomes I’ll. they are becomes they’re.
  • I have becomes I’ve. was not becomes wasn’t.
  • Will not is special: won’t.
Worked example 2.6.1
Write the short form of I will.

Method. Join the two words, and put an apostrophe where letters are left out.

  1. Look at the two words. The full words are I will.
    I will
  2. Find the letters that go. The apostrophe takes the place of the letters left out.
    letters left out: wi
  3. Join the words into one short word. Put the apostrophe where the letters were.
    I’ll

Check. Say the short form aloud: I’ll. ✓

Watch out. The apostrophe goes where the letters were, not at the end of the word.

Worked example 2.6.2
Write the short form of they are.

Method. Join the two words, and put an apostrophe where letters are left out.

  1. Look at the two words. The full words are they are.
    they are
  2. Find the letters that go. The apostrophe takes the place of the letters left out.
    letters left out: a
  3. Join the words into one short word. Put the apostrophe where the letters were.
    they’re

Check. Say the short form aloud: they’re. ✓

Watch out. The apostrophe goes where the letters were, not at the end of the word.

Worked example 2.6.3
Write the short form of could not.

Method. Join the two words, and put an apostrophe where letters are left out.

  1. Look at the two words. The full words are could not.
    could not
  2. Find the letters that go. The apostrophe takes the place of the letters left out.
    letters left out: o
  3. Join the words into one short word. Put the apostrophe where the letters were.
    couldn’t

Check. Say the short form aloud: couldn’t. ✓

Watch out. The apostrophe goes where the letters were, not at the end of the word.

Watch out

Watch out: write won’t, not wont or willn’t. Will not is the one contraction with a changed word. Put the apostrophe where the letters were.

Exam tip

Grown-up tip. Say the full words, then the short form. Ask your child: which letters did the apostrophe replace? Write both forms side by side on paper.

Exercise 2F  Practice: contractions

1
FWrite the short form of we are.
2
FWrite the short form of I have.
3
FWrite the short form of you are.
4
FWrite the short form of she will.
5
FWrite the short form of was not.
6
FWrite the short form of were not.
7
PSWhich letters are left out of I am to make I’m?
8
PSWe ___ run in the hall. Write the short form of should not in the gap.
9
PSWrite the short form of have not.
10
RAli writes wont for will not. Write the correct short form, and say what the apostrophe shows.
2.7

The singular possessive apostrophe, and -tion words

Year 2
Use an apostrophe and s to show that one owner has something (the boy’s coat), Spell words ending in -tion
Video lesson: The singular possessive apostrophe, and -tion wordsComing soon
A farm. Look at the words in this section.

An apostrophe can also show that one person or thing owns something.

For one owner, add apostrophe s: Megan’s bag, the boy’s coat.

This is true even when the owner ends in y: the baby’s hat.

Some words end in -tion: station, motion, action, fiction.

OwnerThing ownedPhrase
MeganbagMegan’s bag
the boycoatthe boy’s coat
the babyhatthe baby’s hat
One owner: apostrophe s.

Key ideas

  • One owner: add apostrophe s, as in the dog’s bone.
  • Megan’s bag. the baby’s hat.
  • Words ending in -tion: station, motion, action.
  • The ending is spelled t, i, o, n.
Worked example 2.7.1
Write the phrase: the bowl that belongs to the cat.

Method. Add apostrophe s to the owner, then write the thing owned.

  1. Find the owner. The owner is the cat. One owner.
    the cat
  2. Add an apostrophe and s. For one owner, add apostrophe s, even after a name.
    the cat’s
  3. Write the thing owned after it. Put the thing owned after the owner.
    the cat’s bowl

Check. the cat’s bowl: one owner, so apostrophe s. ✓

Watch out. Do not put the apostrophe after the s of a plural. One owner: the boy’s.

Worked example 2.7.2
Write the phrase: the bike that belongs to Sam.

Method. Add apostrophe s to the owner, then write the thing owned.

  1. Find the owner. The owner is Sam. One owner.
    Sam
  2. Add an apostrophe and s. For one owner, add apostrophe s, even after a name.
    Sam’s
  3. Write the thing owned after it. Put the thing owned after the owner.
    Sam’s bike

Check. Sam’s bike: one owner, so apostrophe s. ✓

Watch out. Do not put the apostrophe after the s of a plural. One owner: the boy’s.

Worked example 2.7.3
Write the -tion word for something a person does.

Method. Think about the meaning.

  1. Find the word. action is something a person does.
    action
  2. Look at the ending. The ending is spelled t, i, o, n.
    ac-tion
  3. Write the answer.
    action

Check. ac-tion: the ending tion. ✓

Watch out. The ending is spelled tion, not shun.

Watch out

Watch out: write the boy’s coat for one boy. The apostrophe shows one owner. Do not put it after the s of a plural, such as the boys; that comes later.

Exam tip

Grown-up tip. Ask: whose is it? One owner means apostrophe s. For -tion words, look at the ending in the word, and say each word in parts: sta-tion, mo-tion, ac-tion.

Exercise 2G  Practice: possession and -tion words

1
FWrite the phrase: the bag that belongs to Megan.
2
FWrite the phrase: the coat that belongs to the boy.
3
FWrite the phrase: the hat that belongs to the baby.
4
FWrite the phrase: the tail that belongs to the dog.
5
FWrite the phrase: the nest that belongs to the bird.
6
FWhich letters end station?
7
PSWrite the -tion word for a place where trains stop.
8
PSWrite the -tion word for a story that is made up.
9
PSWrite the -tion word that means to say something about a thing.
10
RAli writes the boys bag for the bag that one boy owns. Write it correctly. What does the apostrophe show?

Chapter summary

SkillMethod
Consonant + y, plural or verbChange y to i, add es: babies, carries
Vowel + yKeep the y: keys, played, enjoying
Consonant + y and -ed, -er, -estChange y to i: carried, happier, happiest; keep the y before -ing
Silent eDrop the e before -ing, -ed, -er, -est, -y: hoping, nicer; be becomes being
Short word, one vowel, one consonantDouble the consonant before a vowel ending: hopping, bigger; jumped
Suffixeskindness, careful, hopeless, enjoyment, happily, gently
ContractionsI’ll, we’re, I’ve, wasn’t; will not becomes won’t
Possession and -tionone owner: the boy’s coat; -tion words: station, motion, action

Can you…?

  • I can add -es to a word ending in a consonant and y, and keep the y after a vowel
  • I can change the y to i before -ed, -er and -est, and keep it before -ing
  • I can drop the e before an ending that starts with a vowel
  • I can double the last letter of a short word before a vowel ending
  • I can add -ment, -ness, -ful, -less and -ly, and name the suffix
  • I can spell contractions with an apostrophe
  • I can use an apostrophe and s for one owner, and spell -tion words

Key terms

suffix
a group of letters added to the end of a word, such as -ness in kindness
root word
the word before a suffix or ending is added, such as carry in carried
contraction
a short word made from two words, with an apostrophe for the letters left out
apostrophe
the mark (’) that shows letters are left out, or that one owner has something
consonant
a letter that is not a, e, i, o or u
vowel
a letter that is a, e, i, o or u
possessive
showing that someone or something owns something, such as the dog’s tail

Exercise 2Z  Check-up

1
Write the plural of berry.
2
Add -ed to cry.
3
Add -ing to shine.
4
Add -er to big.
5
Add -ness to dark.
6
Add -ly to happy.
7
Write the short form of I will.
8
Write the phrase: the book that belongs to the girl.
9
Which letters end nation?
10
Mia writes puppys. Write it correctly.

Total 13 marks. Allow about 13 minutes.

Exercise 2X  End-of-chapter quiz

1
FWrite the plural of lady.[1 mark]
2
FWrite the -ed word for try.[1 mark]
3
FWrite the -ing word for chat.[1 mark]
4
FWrite the -est word for nice.[1 mark]
5
FWrite the -ly word for gentle.[1 mark]
6
FWrite the short form of we will.[1 mark]
7
FWrite the phrase: the hat that belongs to the girl.[1 mark]
8
RWrite three words: one with -ment, one with -less and one with -ful. Use words from this chapter, or your own.[2 marks]
9
RRavi writes trayes for the plural of tray. Is he right? Explain.[2 marks]
10
RWrite two sentences: one with carried and one with carries.[2 marks]

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