When the schwa sound appears at the end of a word, it is sometimes spelled with the letters er. The schwa sound is a neutral vowel sound, like a soft uh sound.
In English, we often add the suffix er to a word to describe a person who or thing that performs a particular action. For example, a teacher is someone who teaches, and a baker is someone who bakes.
This pattern is also used to form adjectives that are used to compare two things based on a particular quality. For instance, bigger is used to describe something that is a larger size than something else.
faster | Hannah ran faster than Lee. | |
sharper | My pencil is sharper than yours. | |
lighter | It stays lighter for longer in the summer. | |
smoother | My hair has become smoother since I switched shampoo. | |
baker | The baker kneaded the dough thoroughly. | |
driver | Car lights can dazzle drivers at night. | |
dancer | The dancer twists and turns. | |
rider | She was an excellent rider. | |
runner | Will is the fastest runner in the school. | |
swimmer | The buoyancy aid helped keep the weak swimmer afloat. | |
teacher | The teacher gave me good advice. | |
daughter | My brother's daughter is my niece. | |
lawyer | The arrested man asked for a lawyer. | |
writer | The writer won a prestigious prize. | |
manager | They hoped their manager would let them leave early. | |
publisher | I have asked my publisher for an extension on my book deadline. | |
anger | I managed to control my anger. | |
answer | He was reluctant to answer my question. | |
deliver | When will you be able to deliver my order? | |
helicopter | The rescue helicopter pulled him from the sea. |
Learn more about these words in Unit 25. Word endings: -er, -ar, -or, -our, re, a and -ery, -ary
Use the list: Words ending in er
Learn this spelling list using the 'Look, Say, Cover, Write, Check' activity.
Look, Say, Cover, Write, Check
How to use:
Look and read the word.
Say the word. Click the speaker icon.
Cover the word.
Write the word.
Check your spelling.
faster
sharper
lighter
smoother
baker
driver
dancer
rider
runner
swimmer
teacher
daughter
lawyer
writer
manager
publisher
anger
answer
deliver
helicopter
Spelling games using the word list: Words ending in er
Bouncing Baubles
Christmas spelling!
Spelling Snowball
Winter spelling fun!
Egg Hunt
Crack the eggs!
Word Search, small
The classic English word game.
Against the Clock
Spelling 'against the clock'.
Mayan Temple
Try the temple spelling puzzle.
Monkey Business
It's bananas!
Start the Listen and Spell Test
Print worksheets and activities: Words ending in er
- Printable word list - a useful printable resource of the word list.
- Flash cards - a word on each card which enables a variety of games and activities.
- Word Search, small printable version.
Handwriting worksheets: Words ending in er
This word list was created by Spellzone. View more Spellzone course lists or curriculum word lists.
Other lists from Unit 25. Word endings: -er, -ar, -or, -our, re, a and -ery, -ary
Words ending in ctor
Words ending in itor
Words ending in ator
Words ending in ssor and rror
More words ending in or
Words ending in lar
More words ending in ar
Words ending in our
Words ending in or
Words ending in re
I'm a language and linguistics enthusiast with a deep understanding of phonetics, morphology, and the intricacies of word formation in English. My knowledge extends to the specific topic at hand, involving word endings such as -er, -ar, -or, -our, re, and a.
Now, let's delve into the concepts highlighted in the provided article:
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Schwa Sound and -er Suffix:
- The article mentions the schwa sound, which is a neutral vowel sound, often spelled with the letters "er" when it appears at the end of a word.
- The suffix -er is commonly added to words in English to denote a person or thing that performs a particular action. For example, "teacher" signifies someone who teaches, and "baker" denotes someone who bakes.
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Comparative Adjectives with -er:
- The pattern of adding -er is used to form adjectives for comparing two things based on a particular quality. For instance, "bigger" is used to describe something larger than something else.
- Examples in the article include "faster," "sharper," "lighter," and "smoother," illustrating the comparative forms of these adjectives.
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Noun and -er Suffix:
- Nouns representing individuals engaged in specific activities often take the -er suffix. Examples include "baker," "driver," "dancer," "rider," "runner," and "swimmer."
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Professions and -er Suffix:
- Various professions are formed by adding -er to an activity. Examples include "teacher," "lawyer," "writer," "manager," and "publisher."
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Relationship Terms and -er Suffix:
- Family relationship terms, such as "daughter," are also formed using the -er suffix.
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Verb and -er Suffix:
- Verbs can be transformed into nouns by adding -er. For instance, "answer" (verb) becomes "answerer" (noun).
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Other Words with -er Suffix:
- The article includes words like "helicopter," "deliver," and "anger," showcasing the versatility of the -er suffix in various contexts.
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Spelling Activities:
- The article provides spelling activities, including games like "Bouncing Baubles," "Spelling Snowball," "Egg Hunt," "Word Search," "Against the Clock," "Mayan Temple," and "Monkey Business." These activities aim to reinforce the spelling of words with -er endings.
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Educational Resources:
- The article suggests learning through activities like "Look, Say, Cover, Write, Check" and provides printable resources, flashcards, and handwriting worksheets to enhance spelling skills.
In conclusion, the concepts covered in the article are fundamental to understanding the use of -er and related word endings in English, encompassing phonetics, morphology, grammar, and practical application through spelling activities.