Word Formation: Verb Derivation
Starter
Show learners the first slide with the two example sentences. Ask them to change the bracketed base words into adjectives by using an appropriate suffix. Allow them to try this independently and to share in small groups before checking together as a whole class. Show the second slide and explain how the suffix changes the word class from verb to adjective.
Activity 1
Explain there are many more examples of verbs which can be changed into an adjective by using a variety of suffixes. Ask learners to copy down the base words and suffixes in the next slide and to attempt to match them, working individually. Next, ask them to compare in small groups before checking the answers as a whole class. Ask volunteers to come to the front and to match the words on the interactive white board. Drag and drop to connect, and double click to separate.
Finally, ask learners to write their own sentences using each of the adjectives they formed. Remind them to watch out for any spelling changes! Have them compare in pairs or small groups and share the best ones with the whole class.
Activity 2
Start by explaining it is also possible to form verbs from adjectives and nouns. Show the learners the six sentences. In each one, there is a base word in brackets which they need to form into a verb by adding the appropriate suffix. Remind them to also bear in mind the correct tense ending. Ask them to attempt this task individually, and then to share their answers in pairs or small groups. Show the next slide so learners can check their answers and make sure they have the right spelling.
Activity 3
Show the learners the next two example sentences. In each one they must transfrom the base word in brackets into a verb using the appropriate suffix. Ask learners what they notice. They should see that both words use the same suffix. They might also notice that one sentence uses a transitive verb and the other an intransitive verb.
Show learners the final slide. Ask them to convert these four words into verbs (using the same suffix) and to try writing a transitive and intransitive sentence for each one. Compare sentences as a whole class.
This lesson is adapted (with permission) from Words and Meanings: A Systematic Guide for the Teaching of English Vocabulary, by Gabriele Stein.
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Word Formation: Verb Derivation
Starter
Read these two sentences. Transform the base word in brackets into a more appropriate word class by adding a suffix.
- Her assistant isn't doing a good job since he's so (forget).
- We're going down to the river. Is the water (drink)?
What word class did you start with and what did it change into?
In both these examples a verb has been turned into an adjective by using a suffix.
- Her assistant isn't doing a good job since he's so forgetful.
- We're going down to the river. Is the water drinkable?
Activity 1
Match the base verb with the suffix to form an adjective.
Drag the cards together to connect and double click to break apart.
Write a sentence using each adjective and be careful of spelling changes!
Activity 2
We've just seen how we can change verbs into adjectives. But we can also turn adjectives and nouns into verbs.
Read these six sentences. In each sentence, a base noun or adjective is in brackets. Add the correct suffix to each example for form a verb. You may also need to add the appropriate tense ending.
- When we enter the next zone, you must all (active) your shields.
- As the liquid is forced through the filter, it is (atom).
- The council have invested a lot of money to (beauty) this rundown area.
- One tip for revision is to always (simple) your notes.
- Bees are important in the ecosystem since they (pollen) the flowers.
- Some of the school buildings are so old! It's really time that we (modern) the campus.
Check you have the correct answer, including the correct suffix and any other spelling changes.
- When we enter the next zone, you must all activate your shields.
- As the liquid is forced through the filter, it is atomised.
- The council have invested a lot of money to beautify this rundown area.
- One tip for revision is to always simplify your notes.
- Bees are important in the ecosystem since they pollenate the flowers.
- Some of the school buildings are so old! It's really time that we modernise the campus.
Activity 3
Read these two sentences. In each one, transform the bas word in brackets into a verb.
- The coat was too long so I had to (short) it.
- It's Spring, so the days are starting to (length).
What suffix must you use? What do you notice is different about each sentence?
In both sentences, we use the suffix -en.
- The coat was too long so I had to shorten it.
- It's Spring, so the days are starting to lengthen.
Sentence 1 uses shorten as transitive verb. This means that someone made something else shorter i.e. 'the coat'. Sentence 2 uses shorten as an intransitive verb: 'the' days become shorter by themselves.
Read this list of adjectives. Use a suffix to convert each one into a verb, and see if you can write a transitive and intransitive sentence for each one.
- bright
- sharp
- weak
- worse