This document discusses the spelling rules for adding the suffixes -tion, -ssion, and -sion to root words to create new words. It provides examples of how each suffix changes the meaning and spelling of the root word. The -tion suffix means "the act of", -ssion means "the result of", and -sion means "the state of". Rules are given for changing the spelling of the root word before adding each suffix, with examples provided. Exceptions to the rules are also noted.

1. Investigating spelling
rules for the suffixes
-tion, -sion and -ssion.

2. • A suffix is a group of letters that comes at
the end of a word.
• They change the meaning of words.
• Knowing the rules for suffixes can help us
to understand and spell words better.
What is a suffix?

3. • The suffixes –tion, -sion, -ssion
and –cian all make a ‘shun’
sound.
• Certain rules are helpful when
choosing the correct ending to
put at the end of a root word.
Suffixes

4. • The suffix –tion means ‘the act
of’. For instance, digestion
means ‘the act of digesting’.
• This is the most common ‘shun’
ending.
Suffix -tion

5. -tion is the most common ‘shun’ suffix.
subtract + tion Subtract
complete + tion complete tion
tion
Can you see what is happening ?
If a word ends in an t or te you
must drop the t or te before
adding ‘tion’.
Suffix -tion

6. Have a go at adding ‘tion’ to these words
in your books.
invent invention
inject injection
hesitate hesitation
complete completion
Did you get them right ?
Well done !
direct direction
create creation
Finished? Put some of these words into sentences in your books.

7. • The suffix –ssion means ‘the
result of’. For example,
impression means the ‘result of
impressing’.
• Usually a verb needs to change
its ending before the suffix is
added.
Suffix -ssion

8. -ssion is used when the root word ends in
-ss or -mit.
discuss + ssion discu ss
omit + ssion omit ssion
ssion
Can you see what is happening ?
If a word ends in ss just add –ssion.
If the word ends in mit you must drop
the t from mit before adding ‘ssion’.
Suffix -ssion

9. Have a go at adding ‘ssion’ to these words
in your books.
discuss discussion
confess confession
transmit transmission
emit emission
Did you get them right ?
Well done !
obsess obsession
permit permission
Finished? Put some of these words into sentences in your books.

10. • The suffix –sion means ‘the state of’.
For example, conclusion means the
‘result of concluding’.
• There are about 50 words in common
use that end in –sion.
• Most verbs change their endings in
order to add the suffix.
Suffix -sion

11. -sion is used when the root word ends in
-se or –d, -de, -l, -r, -s or -t.
precise + sion precise
extend + sion extend sion
sion
Can you see what is happening ?
If a word ends in se just remove the se
and add –sion.
If the word ends in –d, -de, -l, -r, -s or -t
you must drop the letter and add ‘sion’.
Suffix -sion

12. Have a go at adding ‘sion’ to these words
in your books.
tense tension
expand expansion
invade invasion
confuse confusion
Did you get them right ?
Well done !
explode explosion
precise precision
Finished? Put some of these words into sentences in your books.

13. • With any spelling rules there are always
exceptions and some words that end in
‘shun’ just need to be learnt. Always check
with a dictionary when you are unsure.
• Some familiar exception words include
cushion, fashion, Asian, Russian and ocean.
Exceptions