English // Spelling & Word Study

Spelling -able & -ible

Spell words ending in -able/-ible and the corresponding adverb forms -ably/-ibly, applying patterns to determine which suffix to use based on the root word

Ages
9 to 10
Type
Method
Builds on
1 topic
Leads to
0 topics
Standards
2 codes

Quick check

When the learner needs to spell a word ending in "-able" or "-ible" — like "comfortable" or "visible" — can they choose the right ending and spell it correctly?

Ask this to see whether the topic is secure.

Topic // Mastery

What mastery looks like

What a learner can do once this topic is secure.
  • Apply the guideline that -able is typically used with complete root words (enjoyable, comfortable) while -ible is used with incomplete roots (visible, possible), noting key exceptions
  • Convert -able/-ible adjectives into adverbs by changing the ending to -ably/-ibly, e.g. comfortable → comfortably, possible → possibly, terrible → terribly
  • Determine whether to drop or retain the final -e of the root when adding -able, e.g. adorable (drop e) vs changeable (keep e before soft g)

Topic // Map

Where this fits

What to learn first and what this topic opens up, with the reason for each link. Required links come first.
  • RequiredMust come first
  • HelpfulHelps, but not essential

Before this

1 topic
  • Suffixes (age 7+)Required

    Spelling & Word Study // Ages 7 to 9

    The -able/-ible and -ably/-ibly patterns build directly on suffix knowledge from the Y3-4 programme

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Spelling -able & -ible

Ages 9 to 10 // Method

Leads to

0 topics

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Topic // Standards

Curriculum standards

Codes for the curriculum statements this topic maps to. Each publisher owns its standard text.
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document
Eng_App1_Sp_Y56_04Eng_App1_Sp_Y56_05

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