Morpheme Matrix Classic

Build words by combining prefixes, bases, and suffixes.

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1. What Is a Morpheme?

A morpheme is a meaningful word part. Some morphemes are whole words, like free or form. Other morphemes are word parts, like in-, re-, de-, -ed, -ing, or -ation.

Prefix: a word part added before a base word.

Base: the main word or root idea.

Suffix: a word part added after a base word.

2. Morpheme Matrix — form / free

Use the matrix to build real words. The base form means “to shape.” The word free can also combine with some suffixes.

in
re
de
form
"to shape"
free
s
ed
ing
er
ation
al

Examples: reform, informed, forming, information, informal, freed, freeing.

3. Build Words from the Matrix

Click words from the bank to fill the blanks.

reforminformdeformformedforminginformerinformationinformalfreedfreeing
1. The teacher gave us important about the test.
2. The hot sun can soft plastic.
3. The students are a circle.
4. The country wanted to its school system.
5. The conversation was friendly and .

4. Prefix, Base, or Suffix?

Choose the correct part for each morpheme.

Answered: 0 / 0
1. re-
2. form
3. -ing
4. de-
5. free
6. -ed
7. in-
8. -ation

5. Break the Word into Morphemes

Write the prefix, base, and suffix. Leave a box empty if the word does not have that part.

1. informed
2. reforming
3. freedom
4. informal
5. deformation

6. Match the Word to Its Meaning

Choose the best meaning for each morpheme word.

1. reform
2. information
3. deform
4. informal
5. informer
6. freeing

7. Choose the Best Word in Context

Choose the best word from the matrix to complete each sentence.

1. The city wants to ______ old traffic laws.
2. A witness can ______ the police about what happened.
3. The heat caused a small ______ in the plastic bottle.
4. The meeting was relaxed and ______.
5. The rescue workers were ______ the trapped dog.

8. Write with the Matrix

Write five real words from the matrix.
Choose three words from the matrix and write one sentence for each.

9. Create Your Own Morpheme Matrix

Make your own word-building matrix.

Write five real words from your matrix.

Answer Key

Section 3: 1 information, 2 deform, 3 forming, 4 reform, 5 informal

Section 4: re = prefix; form = base; ing = suffix; de = prefix; free = base; ed = suffix; in = prefix; ation = suffix

Section 5: informed = in + form + ed; reforming = re + form + ing; freedom = free + dom; informal = in + form + al; deformation = de + form + ation

Section 6: reform = change something to improve it; information = facts or knowledge; deform = change the shape of something; informal = relaxed and not official; informer = a person who gives information; freeing = making someone or something free

Section 7: 1 reform; 2 inform; 3 deformation; 4 informal; 5 freeing

Sections 8 and 9: Answers will vary.