Build a Word
Read each clue. Find two word parts in the box that build a word with that meaning. Write the parts, then write the whole word.
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This is sheet #161524601.
How to do it
- Read the clue.
- Find two word parts that match it.
- Write the parts and the whole word.
Teaching tip
Use the chart to look up what each root means. This sheet is aligned with Common Core L.4.4b.
About this worksheet
Clues like "to break out" to build into words like erupt from a box of roots, prefixes and suffixes. Fewer, Standard or More give 6, 8 or 9 words. Includes an answer key.
What kids practice
A root is the part of a word that carries its main meaning. Many longer English words are built on Greek and Latin roots, like port (carry) in transport and portable, or spect (look) in inspect and spectator. Knowing a handful of roots helps a reader figure out words they have never seen before.
Watch for
- Thinking every word with the same letters shares a root. A root needs to carry its meaning, so check that the word makes sense.
- Guessing from the root alone. Check that the meaning fits the sentence too.
- Stopping at the root. The prefix and suffix change the meaning too, like in export and import.
It's free to print, with Fewer, Standard or More on the page and an answer key. See the full greek and latin roots guide for 4th grade.
More sheets in this set
- See it all
1. Greek and Latin Roots ChartTen Greek roots and ten Latin roots, each with its meaning and three example words, like port (carry) in portable, transport and export. 
2. Root Meaning MatchRoots in one column and their meanings in the other, to match by letter. Fewer, Standard or More give 6, 8 or 10 roots. Includes an answer key.
4. Root SortA word box to sort into columns by root. Fewer, Standard or More give 3, 4 or 5 roots. Includes an answer key.
5. Which Root?Sentences with a long word missing its root, like "Workers will con___ a new school," with three roots to choose from. Fewer, Standard or More give 6, 8 or 10 sentences. Includes an answer key.
6. Guess the MeaningHarder words like auditorium, rupture and biography in real sentences, with a root clue to figure out each meaning. Fewer, Standard or More give 3, 4 or 5 words. Includes an answer key.
7. Root Word WebA root in the middle with six lines for words that use it, and a line for a sentence. Fewer, Standard or More give 1, 2 or 3 webs.
8. Color by RootA hidden picture made of words like export, erupt, inspect and tractor, colored by their Latin root. Includes an answer key.