ROOT WORDS What are Root Words? When the ending, or inflection, is taken away from a word, the word that remains is called the root word or base word. Examples Inflections are added to base words to: • Change the root words from singular to plural Root: bed beds • Change the tense of a word from present tense to past tense Root: play played • Change a word from a verb to a noun Root: act actor • Compare describing words, or adjectives Root: smart smarter smartest Try This! Choose the correct root words. 1] The root word of actor is _____. a] acting b] art c] act d] actress 2] The root word of cooks is _____. a] cook b] cookie c] uncooked d] cooking 3] The root word of happiest is _____. a] happiness b] happy c] hop d] happier © Copyright NewPath Learning. All Rights Reserved. Permission is granted for the purchaser to print copies for non-commercial educational purposes only. Visit us at www.NewPathLearning.com.