Morpheme Matrix Worksheet

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 re-, de-, -ed, -ing, or -er.

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 1

Use the matrix to build real words.

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

Examples: reform, informed, freeing, information, informal, defree is not a common English word.

3. Build Words from the Matrix

Click words from the bank to fill the blanks.

reform inform deform formed forming informer information informal freed freeing

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 / 8

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. deforestation

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. Morpheme Matrix 2

Use this new matrix to build more words.

un re mis	read write spell	s er ing
		ed able ly

Write five real words from this matrix.

Choose one word from the matrix and use it in a sentence.

8. Create Your Own Morpheme Matrix

Make your own word-building matrix.

Prefixes:

Base words:

Suffixes:

Write five 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; deforestation = de + forest + 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

Sections 7 and 8: Answers will vary.