---
title: "Word Parts as Clues"
description: "Use knowledge of common inflections and affixes (-ed, -s, un-, -er) as clues to the meaning of unknown words; understand how the prefix un- changes meaning"
canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/word-parts-as-clues-mt_aw0PldeT_L
source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/word-parts-as-clues-mt_aw0PldeT_L.md
retrieved: 2026-10-19
---

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# Word Parts as Clues

Use knowledge of common inflections and affixes (-ed, -s, un-, -er) as clues to the meaning of unknown words; understand how the prefix un- changes meaning

Subject: English · Area: Vocabulary · Ages 5 to 8
Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/word-parts-as-clues-mt_aw0PldeT_L

## Ready when they can

- Recognise that -ed signals past tense (e.g. 'jumped' = already happened)
- Explain how un- makes a word mean the opposite (e.g. 'unhappy' = not happy)
- Use word parts to figure out the meaning of an unfamiliar word

## Lesson: Word Parts as Clues

Words have parts. Each part gives a clue. A part at the start or end can change the meaning and help you read new books.

*(drawing: The word jump plus -ed becomes jumped. -ed means it already happened.)*

**Example.** Mia read the word played. She saw -ed at the end. She knew it already happened.

*(drawing: Un- plus kind becomes unkind. Un- means not, so unkind means not kind.)*

When you see a new word, look at its start and end. Word parts can help you guess the meaning.

**Recap.** Word parts like -ed and un- give clues to a word's meaning.

## Practice

24 questions on this page, each with its working shown.

## Needs first

- [Reading Inflectional Endings](https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/reading-inflectional-endings-mt__CMXZiPfTV)
- [Discussing and Questioning New Words](https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/discussing-and-questioning-new-words-mt_6-MYToNZ39)

## Opens up

- [Word Families and Root Words](https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/word-families-and-root-words-mt_p1imGSFgJT)
- [Root Words & Inflections](https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/root-words-and-inflections-mt_UEe3MC5RZc)