Base Words and Endings -er and -est

What is a base word? A word that can stand alone. A word that can have its meaning changed by adding different suffixes and prefixes to it. Examples: pre + view = preview prefix base word new word different meaning

Suffixes -er and -est -er can be added to many adjectives to compare two things -est can be added to many adjectives to compare three or more things

tallest taller tall

RULES there are some base words that require spelling changes when adding the –er and –est endings to them

If the word ends with e, drop the e before adding –er or –est Drop Silent e wide wid wid +er = wider Drop Silent e wide wid wid +est = widest

If the word ends with y, change the y to i before adding –er or –est Change final y to i heavy heavi heavi + er heavier Change final y to i heavy heavi heavi+est = heaviest

Double final consonant If a one –syllable word ends in a short vowel and a consonant, the consonant must be doubled before adding -er or-est Double final consonant hot hot + t hot + t + er hotter Double final consonant hot hot + t hot + t +est = hottest

Base word -er -est black blacker blackest bold calm cheap clean few light mean small

If the word ends with e, drop the e before adding –er or –est Base word -er -est brave braver bravest close large

If the word ends with y, change the y to i before adding –er or –est Base word -er -est dirty dirtier dirtiest easy funny juicy lazy noisy pretty

Base word -er -est fat fatter fattest sad thin If a one –syllable word ends in a short vowel and a consonant, the consonant must be doubled before adding -er or-est Base word -er -est fat fatter fattest sad thin

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