The Ultimate Suffixes List for Students

Understanding suffixes is an important part of developing strong literacy skills. When students recognise common suffixes and how they change the meaning or function of a word, they are often better able to expand their vocabulary, identify word relationships and improve their spelling. With so many suffixes used throughout the English language, however, it can be difficult for students to keep track of them all. That’s why Teach Starter has created this handy list of suffixes for students!

This resource has been designed to help your students become familiar with some of the most commonly used suffixes they are likely to encounter in everyday reading, writing and conversation. The list provides the following information:

• Name of suffix (e.g. able)
• Meaning or function (e.g. can be done)
• Example words (e.g. capable, washable, readable)

To assist with differentiation, the list has been separated into two collections: common suffixes (e.g. able, ful, ly, ship) and advanced suffixes (e.g. ence, ible, ial, ity).

This list of suffixes with examples downloads as a printable PDF or editable Google Slides document. Encourage your students to refer to the list whenever they need support identifying or using suffixes in their reading and writing.

Use These Suffix Examples to Support Learning

This table of suffixes can be used for much more than simple reference. It can become a practical classroom tool that helps students explore how words are formed, build vocabulary and make meaningful connections between related words.

Here are some ideas for getting the most out of this resource:

• Word Building Activities – Challenge students to add more words to the bank of examples for each suffix on the list. This helps students see the connections between words that contain the same suffix.
• Spelling Investigations – Encourage students to examine spelling changes that occur when suffixes are added, such as doubling consonants and dropping final letters. Understanding the rules makes applying them so much easier! 
• Cross-Curricular Vocabulary Development – Use the reference sheet when exploring science, history, health and other subject areas where suffix-rich vocabulary frequently appears.

Whether displayed on a classroom wall, kept in student folders or glued into literacy workbooks, this resource offers ongoing support as students strengthen their understanding of word structure and word meaning.

Download This List of Suffixes for Students

Helping students develop their understanding of suffix words doesn’t need to require hours of planning. This ready-made resource is available to download in just a few clicks!

Use the Download button above to access either the printable PDF or the editable Google Slides version of this suffixes list. (Note: You will be prompted to make a copy of the Google Slides template on your personal drive before accessing it.)

Whatever the activity, this resource provides an excellent foundation for investigating suffix words and their meanings with your students.

Resources to Use with This Suffix List

Now that your students have a reference list of suffixes, it’s time to apply their new knowledge in context! Click below to access more engaging resources to use when exploring suffixes with your students.

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Derivational Suffixes Teaching Slides

Teach how derivational suffixes can transform words and their meanings with this comprehensive teaching presentation for upper primary students.

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Suffix Bingo

Match words with suffixes to their meanings in this BINGO game.

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Plural Suffixes Worksheet Pack

Download this plurals worksheet pack to help students confidently identify and apply the plural suffixes -s, -es, -ies and -ves when spelling plural nouns.