Spelling words with the suffixes -ant and -ance | English

Starter quiz

What is the definition of 'suffix'?
- a letter or group of letters added to the end of a word to change its meaning ✓
- the base word from which other words are formed by adding prefixes or suffixes
- a letter or group of letters added to the start of a word to change its meaning
Match the word to the definition.
- independent
  
  ⇔
  
  self-reliant, not controlled by others ✓
- constant
  
  ⇔
  
  unchanging ✓
- assistant
  
  ⇔
  
  someone who helps or supports another person in their work or tasks ✓
Select the words with a 'soft c' in them.
- city ✓
- cat
- century ✓
- arc
Select the words with a 'soft g' in them.
- gorilla
- gem ✓
- giant ✓
- go
Select the words containing the 'ay' sound.
- station ✓
- said
- aisle
- break ✓
- pane ✓
Correct the spelling of the word in bold in the following sentence: 'My nieghbor is incredibly kind and friendly.'
- 'neighbour' ✓

Select the correct spelling.
- significant ✓
- significent
- signifikant
- signifikent
Select the correct spelling.
- hezitance
- hesitance ✓
- hesitence
- hezitence
Select the correct spelling.
- expectansy
- expetensy
- expectancy ✓
- expectency
Choose the correct spelling.
- induljence
- indulgance
- indulgence ✓
Correct the spelling of the word in bold in the following sentence: 'The asisstent had organised the files efficiently.'
- 'assistant' ✓
Correct the spelling of the word in bold in the following sentence: 'Please show tolurence and respect in our school.'
- 'tolerance' ✓

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The suffixes -ant and -ance are used if there is a related word with the 'a' or 'ay' sound in the right position.
Changing the -ant suffix to -ance can change the word from an adjective to an abstract noun.
The suffix -ant sometimes becomes -ancy, e.g. pregnant-pregnancy.
Examples of words that do not follow the above guidance and just need to be learned: assistant-assistance.
How to spell the curriculum words: nuisance, sincere and guarantee.

Pupils may easily confuse the vowels in -ant and -ent spellings.

Say the word clearly how it is spelt in order to emphasise the vowel spellings.

Suffix - a letter or group of letters added to the end of a word to change its meaning
Root word - the base word from which other words are formed often by adding prefixes or suffixes
Abstract noun - a type of noun that names an idea or quality that cannot be seen
Adjective - describes a noun
Noun - a naming word for a person, place or thing