When children begin learning to read, they quickly realize that the same sound can be spelled in multiple ways. These alternative spellings or graphemes play a key role in decoding and spelling words correctly. This guide focuses on common word endings—including consonant-based endings, vowel-based and r-controlled endings, and early suffixes. Understanding these endings helps young readers:
- Recognize familiar spelling patterns
- Improve fluency and word recognition
- Expand vocabulary and writing confidence
Whether your child is reading independently or learning with support, these grapheme patterns provide a strong foundation in phonics.
Consonant-Based Endings
|
Ending |
Examples |
Notes |
|
-ck |
back, neck, stick, duck |
hard /k/ sound after short vowels |
|
-ng |
sing, ring, long, bang |
nasal sound /ŋ/ |
|
-nk |
pink, sink, tank, junk |
nasal + /k/ blend |
|
-ch |
lunch, bench, much, rich |
/ch/ sound |
|
-sh |
fish, brush, dish, crash |
/sh/ sound |
|
-th |
bath, moth, with |
voiceless /th/ sound |
|
-tch |
catch, match, witch, stitch |
/ch/ after short vowel |
|
-ll |
ball, wall, hill, bell |
double “l” after short vowel |
|
-ss |
mess, kiss, dress |
double “s” for short vowel + /s/ |
|
-ff |
puff, cliff, sniff |
double “f” after short vowel |
|
-zz |
buzz, jazz, fuzz |
double “z” after short vowel |
Vowel-Based & R-Controlled Endings
|
Ending |
Examples |
Notes |
|
-ay |
play, day, say |
long A diphthong ending |
|
-oy |
boy, toy, enjoy |
/oi/ diphthong |
|
-ow |
snow, grow, throw |
long O sound |
|
-ew |
new, chew, blew |
/oo/ or /yoo/ sound |
|
-ar |
car, star, far |
bossy R |
|
-or |
for, short, more |
bossy R |
|
-er |
her, later, teacher |
bossy R or suffix |
|
-ir |
bird, girl, third |
bossy R (same sound as er/ur) |
|
s |
fur, blur, nurse |
bossy R (same sound as er/ir) |
|
-y |
happy, funny, cloudy |
sometimes acts as long E at the end |
Common Suffixes for Early Readers
|
Suffix |
Examples |
Function |
|
-ed |
played, jumped, ended |
past tense |
|
-ing |
running, walking, jumping |
ongoing action |
|
-er |
teacher, player, runner |
person who… / comparative |
|
-est |
biggest, fastest, kindest |
superlative |
|
-ly |
slowly, kindly, quickly |
describes how (adverb) |
|
-ful |
helpful, thankful, playful |
full of |
|
-less |
careless, hopeless, fearless |
without |
|
-ness |
kindness, sadness, darkness |
state of being |
Mastering alternative graphemes helps children move beyond basic decoding to become confident, fluent readers. From consonant digraphs like -ck and -sh, to r-controlled vowels like -ar and -er, and suffixes like -ing and -ful, these endings are essential building blocks for literacy. Encourage regular reading practice, word play, and spelling games using these patterns—and watch your child grow into a more capable and curious reader every day.
Make phonics practice exciting and effective!
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