Adding suffixes to words ending in -e and to short words

Working with Word Endings: The -e Rule and the Doubling Rule

Hello! Today we are going to be word detectives. We are learning how to add suffixes to the ends of words. A suffix is just a group of letters we add to the end of a word to change its meaning, like -ing, -ed, -er, or -est.

Usually, we just stick the suffix onto the end of the word. But for some words, we have to change the word a little bit first. Don't worry if this seems tricky at first—once you know the "secret rules," you will be a spelling superstar!

Note: If you are looking for how to add -s, -es, or the suffix -un, please check the other chapters in this section!

1. Words Ending in 'e': The "Drop the e" Rule

Some words end with a "silent e" that has a consonant before it (like hope, smile, or bake). When we want to add an ending that starts with a vowel (like -ing, -ed, -er, -est, or -y), the 'e' has to disappear to make room!

How to do it:
1. Look at your root word: make
2. Take away the 'e': mak
3. Add your ending: making

Examples to try:

Adding -ing: \(smile + ing = \mathbf{smiling}\)
Example: She is smiling at the camera.

Adding -ed: \(bake + ed = \mathbf{baked}\)
Example: We baked a giant cake.

Adding -er or -est: \(nice + er = \mathbf{nicer}\) and \(nice + est = \mathbf{nicest}\)
Example: This is the nicest drawing I have ever seen!

Adding -y: \(smoke + y = \mathbf{smoky}\)
Example: The campfire was very smoky.

Quick Review: If the word ends in -e, drop the -e before adding -ing, -ed, -er, -est, or -y.

2. Short Words: The "Double the Letter" Rule

Now, let's look at very short words. These are words with only one syllable that have one vowel followed by one consonant at the end (like hop, run, or big).

Because these words are so short, they need an extra letter to keep them strong when we add a new ending!

How to do it:
1. Look at your short word: hop
2. Double the last letter: hopp
3. Add your ending: hopping

Examples to try:

Adding -ing: \(run + ing = \mathbf{running}\)
Example: The dog is running in the park.

Adding -ed: \(pat + ed = \mathbf{patted}\)
Example: I patted the soft rabbit.

Adding -er or -est: \(big + er = \mathbf{bigger}\) and \(big + est = \mathbf{biggest}\)
Example: My brother is bigger than me.

Adding -y: \(sun + y = \mathbf{sunny}\)
Example: It is a lovely sunny day.

Quick Review: For short words with one vowel and one consonant, double the last letter before adding your suffix!

3. Watch Out! Don't Get Mixed Up

Sometimes, two words look almost the same, but they use different rules. This is a common mistake, so keep your eyes peeled!

The "Hop" vs. "Hope" Challenge:
- hop is a short word. We double the 'p' to make hopping.
- hope ends in 'e'. We drop the 'e' to make hoping.

Did you know?
If we forgot to double the 'p' in hopping, it would look like hoping! That is why these rules are so important—they help people know exactly what word you mean.

Summary: Key Takeaways

1. The -e Rule: If a word ends in -e, throw the 'e' away before adding the suffix. (Example: \(ride \rightarrow \mathbf{riding}\))

2. The Short Word Rule: If it's a short word with one vowel and one consonant, double that last consonant. (Example: \(get \rightarrow \mathbf{getting}\))

3. The Suffixes: These rules work when you add -ing, -ed, -er, -est, and -y.

Great job! You are now ready to practice adding endings to all sorts of words. Remember: check the end of the word first, and you'll know exactly what to do!