Use the Suffixes -ation, -tion and -ssion

In this activity, we’re going to be looking at suffixes.

 

Suffixes are groups of letters added onto the ends of words.

 

We’re going to look at three suffixes which all make a similar sound: -ation, -tion and -ssion.

 

 

The Suffix -ation

We can use the suffix -ation to turn verbs (doing words) into nouns (things).

 

Expect + ation = expectation

 

Expect is a verb and expectation is a noun.

 

Most of the time, it’s as simple as adding -ation but if the word ends e or y, we have to change it slightly.

 

If the verb ends in an e, we remove the e before adding -ation.

 

Circulate + ation = circulation

Explore + ation = exploration

 

 

If the verb ends in a y, we remove the y and add -ic and -ation.

 

Qualify +ic + ation = qualification

Notify + ic + ation = notification

 

The Suffix – tion

If the root word ends in a t or te, we use the suffix -tion.

 

invent --> invention

act --> action

hesitate --> hesitation

complete --> completion

 

 

Can you see how we’re only really adding -ion here but we call the suffix -tion?

 

For words ending in -te, we remove the e before adding -ion.

 

The Suffix -ssion

If the root word ends in -ss or -mit, we use the suffix -ssion.

 

For example:

express --> expression

discuss --> discussion

confess --> confession

permit --> permission

admit --> admission

 

For the words ending in -mit, we remove the -t and add -ssion.

For the words already ending in -ss, we just add -ion.

 

In this activity, you’ll be using the suffixes -ation, -tion and -ssion.

Re-read the rules if you need to by clicking the red help button on the screen at any point.