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Short Vowels and -ous Suffix Spelling Words

Welcome to our carefully curated list of spelling words focusing on short vowels and words ending in -ous (pronounced /əs/). This collection combines essential phonics patterns that help students master both basic vowel sounds and more complex suffix patterns.

Word List for Short Vowels and -ous Suffix

Here are 18 commonly used words that feature the -ous suffix, representing various difficulty levels suitable for elementary and middle school students:

  • famous
  • joyous
  • nervous
  • pompous
  • jealous
  • marvelous
  • fabulous
  • enormous
  • tremendous
  • generous
  • numerous
  • vigorous
  • curious
  • furious
  • serious
  • previous
  • various
  • glorious

Educational Standards Alignment

These spelling words align with several key Common Core Standards. The -ous suffix pattern and short vowel combinations particularly support:

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.3.2.F: Use spelling patterns and generalizations (e.g., word families, position-based spellings, syllable patterns, ending rules, meaningful word parts) in writing words.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.4.2.D: Spell grade-appropriate words correctly, consulting references as needed.

These standards are particularly relevant because the -ous suffix represents a consistent spelling pattern that students can learn and apply across multiple words. Understanding how this suffix transforms adjectives and the consistent pronunciation pattern (/əs/) helps students develop their spelling and vocabulary skills systematically.

Teaching Tips for -ous Words

When teaching these words, it's helpful to note that the -ous suffix typically creates adjectives and carries the meaning of "full of" or "having the qualities of." For example, "famous" means "full of fame," and "curious" means "full of curiosity." This understanding helps students connect spelling patterns with word meanings, creating stronger vocabulary retention.

The short vowel sounds present in many of these base words (before adding -ous) provide an excellent opportunity to reinforce basic phonics skills while introducing more complex word structures. This combination of foundational phonics and advanced suffix work makes these words particularly valuable for differentiated instruction.

Practice Activities

Working with these words can involve various engaging activities:

  1. Breaking words into syllables to identify the short vowel sounds
  2. Identifying the base word before the -ous suffix
  3. Creating sentences that demonstrate the meaning of each word
  4. Sorting words by their short vowel sounds
  5. Finding patterns in how -ous changes the meaning of the base word

Create a worksheet using words from this list

Words in Context

Understanding these words in context helps students better grasp their meanings and spellings. Many of these words appear frequently in both academic and everyday writing, making them valuable additions to students' vocabulary and spelling repertoires. Regular practice with these words will help students develop confidence in both their writing and reading comprehension skills.

Remember that consistent exposure and practice are key to mastering these spelling patterns. Using our worksheet creator, you can generate customized practice materials that focus on these specific words and patterns, ensuring your students get the targeted practice they need.