Spelling rule
-tion, -sion, -ssion or -cian?
These endings all make a 'shun' sound. The root word (the word you start from) usually tells you which one to use.
How it works
- 1
-tion is the most common
Use it when the root ends in t or te.
- invent → invention
- complete → completion
- compete → competition
- mention
- position
- question
- 2
-ssion when the root ends in ss or mit
- discuss → discussion
- possess → possession
- profess → profession
- permit → permission
- admit → admission
- 3
-sion when the root ends in d, de or se
Also when it says 'zhun', as in television.
- extend → extension
- divide → division
- decide → decision
- tense → tension
- occasion
- 4
-cian for people's jobs, when the root ends in c or cs
- music → musician
- magic → magician
- electric → electrician
- politics → politician
Watch out
- explain → explanation: the i from explain disappears.
- pronounce → pronunciation: the o disappears too. Say pro-NUN-ci-a-tion.
Memory trick
If it's a person who does a job with something ending in c (music, magic), it's -cian.
Words to practise
Years 3 and 4 statutory words
- mention
- position
- question
- occasion
- occasionally
- possession
Years 5 and 6 statutory words
- explanation
- competition
- pronunciation
- profession
Practise a few minutes a day
The daily spelling workout brings back the words your child finds tricky, and shows you which rules they need to revisit.