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The suffix -ous

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A suffix is a letter or a group of letters that can be added to a word to change its meaning.

Adding the suffix -ous turns a noun into an adjective. It means 'full of'.

For example, 'dangerous' means 'full of danger'.

When you add -ous to a word ending with 'e', drop the 'e'.

adventure → adventurous

When you add -ous to a word ending in 'y', replace the 'y' with 'i'.

fury → furious

When you add -ous to a word that ends with 'our', 'our' becomes 'or', then add -ous.

humour → humorous

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Watch: Using the suffix -ous

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Activity 3

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Play our fun English game Crystal Explorers. game

Use grammar, punctuation and spelling skills to explore jungles, caves and tombs on your mission!

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