Learn Root Words, Prefixes, and Suffixes
How to use: Download the PDF to print the worksheet. Then use this page to repeat activities and check answers.
Learning Objectives
- 1Identify the root word in a longer word
- 2Recognise common prefixes and suffixes and explain what they mean
- 3Sort words correctly into root-only, has-a-prefix, and has-a-suffix categories
Mini Lesson
Many English words are built from smaller parts. The root word is the base word that carries the main meaning. A prefix is added to the beginning of the root to change its meaning. A suffix is added to the end of the root to change its meaning or grammatical role.
Root Words
A root word is a complete word that can stand on its own. For example, "play", "kind", "happy", and "read" are all root words. You can add parts to them to make new words.
Common Prefixes
- un- = not (unhappy, unkind, unable)
- re- = again (reread, rewrite, redo)
- pre- = before (preview, prepay, preheat)
- mis- = wrongly (mistake, misread, misplace)
- dis- = not / opposite (disagree, disappear, dislike)
Common Suffixes
- -ful = full of (careful, joyful, helpful)
- -less = without (helpless, careless, fearless)
- -ness = state of (kindness, sadness, darkness)
- -er / -or = person who (teacher, actor, farmer)
- -ing = action happening now (reading, jumping, singing)
To find the root word: remove the prefix AND the suffix, and see what is left. That is your root.
Guided Practice
Read the story. Notice how prefixes and suffixes change the root word each time.
The Magic Word Machine
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Cover
Exercises
Sort each word — does it have a prefix, a suffix, or is it just a root word?
Root Only
Has a Prefix
Has a Suffix
Pick the best answer.
What is a root word?
What does the prefix "un-" mean?
Which word contains a prefix?
What does the suffix "-ful" mean?
Which word contains a suffix?
What is the root word in "unhelpful"?
What does "rewrite" mean?
Which word means "without fear"?
Which part of a word is added to the END?
What is the root word in "preview"?