Practise KS3 spellings that start with ins-. Explore word families like inspire and inspiration, notice shared patterns and strengthen your confidence using these tricky beginnings in everyday writing.
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Fascinating Fact:
Inspire, inspiration and inspiring share inspir-. Learn in-spire first, then add -ation or -ing without changing the ins- at the beginning.
In KS3 English spelling, students study how words beginning with ins- build into families with related meanings. Spotting these shared starting patterns helps you remember spellings and build stronger vocabulary for reading and writing.
Key Terms
Word root: The basic part of a word that carries the main meaning, such as inspire in inspiration and inspiring.
Word family: A group of words that are linked by a shared root or pattern, for example inspire, inspiration and inspiring.
Syllable: A beat or sound unit in a word, like in-spire or in-spi-ra-tion, which can help you break spellings into manageable chunks.
Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)
How can I remember spellings of words starting with ins-?
Focus on the first syllables, such as in-spi- or in-stru-, and say them aloud. Linking new words to a root you already know, like inspire, makes the shared pattern easier to remember.
What is the difference between inspire, inspiration and inspiring?
Inspire is a verb meaning to encourage or fill someone with an idea. Inspiration is the noun for that feeling or idea, and inspiring is an adjective describing something that makes you feel motivated.
Why do KS3 spelling lists use word families like inspire?
KS3 spelling lists often group words into families so you can learn several forms at once. When you understand the root and its endings, you can spell and use related words more confidently in exams and everyday writing.
Click the correct answer for the following definition. A global network of computers that communicate using I-------- Protocol
Intanet
Internett
Internet
Interrnet
It would be odd if "Internet" were spelled Enternet, wouldn't it?
2 .
Click the correct answer for the following definition. Capable of arousing or holding the attention
intaresting
intiresting
inturesting
interesting
If you can spell "interest", you'll have a good idea how to spell "interesting"
3 .
Click the correct answer for the following definition. Without delay
instantaneous
instantaneouce
instantaneouse
instantaneus
Can you see the word "instant" in "instantaneous"?
4 .
Click the correct answer for the following definition. 'Elders should i-------- children with sentiments of virtue'
inspier
inspyer
inspire
inspiar
The words "inspire" and "inspirational" are related, as is "respiration". This is because "spire" in these words comes from spirare, the Latin word for "to breathe"
5 .
Click the correct answer for the following definition. The connection between a user and a machine
interphase
interface
intaface
intarface
What do you think the prefix inter- means?
6 .
Click the correct answer for the following definition. To disturb or halt an ongoing process or action
intarupt
interrupt
interupt
inturupt
Remember that "interrupt" has a double r
7 .
Click the correct answer for the following definition. Of or having to do with more than one nation
internatienal
intanational
international
internationel
Don't be caught out by the a of the final syllable!
8 .
Click the correct answer for the following definition. A musical composition or recording without lyrics
instramental
instrumental
instriemental
instremental
The words "instrument" and "instrumental" are related
9 .
Click the correct answer for the following definition. Responding to the user (computer science)
interacteve
interractive
intactive
interactive
The prefix inter- plus "active" makes "interactive"
10 .
Click the correct answer for the following definition. A device used to produce music
instrement
instriement
instrument
instrament
Remember that the vowel in the second syllable is a u