Suffixes -er & -or

What Is a Suffix?

A suffix is a word part added to the end of a base word.

Example:

• teach + er = teacher

• act + or = actor

Suffixes change the meaning of the word.

What Do –er and –or Mean?

Both –er and –or usually mean:

👉 “A person who…”

Examples:

• runner → a person who runs

• writer → a person who writes

• actor → a person who acts

• sailor → a person who sails

Words That End in –er

Common –er job words:

• teacher

• baker

• painter

• runner

• swimmer

Sentence examples:
🎨 The painter made a colorful picture.
🏊 The swimmer won the race.

Words That End in –or

Common –or job words:

• actor

• doctor

• editor

• sailor

• inventor

Sentence examples:
🩺 The doctor helped the sick puppy.
⛵ The sailor sailed across the ocean.

When Do We Use –er or –or?

There is no perfect rule, but here are kid-friendly tips:

• actor

• doctor

• inventor

• sailor

⭐ Some special words use –or

• runner

• reader

• swimmer

• teacher

⭐ MOST words use –er

Sorting Activity – Does It End in –er or –or?

Words: baker, actor, doctor, swimmer, sailor, painter, inventor, runner