1. Base Words and Endings -er and -est

2. 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

3. 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

4. tallest
taller
tall

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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

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

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

11. 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

12. 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

13. Think: What did we talk about today? Tell the person next to you!
What is one new spelling rule that you learned today?
Tell your neighbor!