Chapter 1 . Topic 1 4
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The following table lists some common suffixes which often cause confusion when spelling words. Read the golden rule in the table, then add the correct endings to the root word. Confusing suffixes
Golden rule
Stem words
−cious and −tious
If your stem ends in –ce, then lose the –ce and add −cious. If the stem ends in any other letters just add −tious.
grace space caution ambition
−ation and −able
If your stem ends in –ce or –ge, keep the –e before adding –able. Words which end in –ation can usually also use −able.
adore notice enjoy consider
New words
Look at these words ending in the prefix –ible. horrible
forcible
visible
terrible
a Work out the stem word and write some golden rules to help you remember these suffixes. b Think of some more –ible words to try out your rule.
Develop the skills By thinking carefully about the word stem, we are often able to find the key to spelling other words in the same family. For example, take the word finish, meaning the end or the limit of something. finish ➞ add a new ending ➞ finite If you can spell finish, you can also spell finite by changing the ending and you can then spell infinite by adding a prefix. You can also spell definite by adding a different prefix. Then, by adding a further prefix, you can create indefinite. 6
How does the meaning of the word shift slightly in each of these examples? Check in a dictionary for any words you are not familiar with.
What does not change, however, is the spelling of the stem ‘fini’. 7
Using the prefixes and suffixes in the following table, try to build ten more words from these Latinate stems. equal – meaning: even or level cure – meaning: to care form – meaning: to shape
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AQA GCSE English Language and English Literature: Core Student Book
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