Y05W17VC Word Roots — -tion / -sion (act of)

The suffixes -tion and -sion come from Latin and carry the core meaning of 'act of', 'process of', or 'result of'. They attach to verb stems to form abstract nouns that describe actions, processes, or states. Words ending in -tion or -sion are among the most common in academic and formal English. This module explores six academic words and three further examples that share these suffixes.

Word Families

These three words all use -tion / -sion. As you read, notice how the meaning 'act of' helps explain each word.

action

/ˈækʃən/

ac‑tion

noun

An action is something that is done or carried out, especially as part of a plan or decision.

Example: Taking action to reduce plastic waste is one way students can contribute to a healthier environment.

Synonyms: activity, deed, step

Collocations: take action, a positive action, an action plan

tension

/ˈtɛnʃən/

ten‑sion

noun

Tension in a story is the feeling of suspense or uncertainty that keeps the reader wondering what will happen next.

Example: The author created tension by ending every chapter at the most exciting point of the scene.

Synonyms: suspense, anxiety, drama

Collocations: create tension, build tension, a sense of tension

solution

/səˈluːʃən/

so‑lu‑tion

noun

A solution is the answer or method that resolves a problem.

Example: After discussing the issue as a class, they agreed on a fair solution that everyone could accept.

Synonyms: answer, resolution, fix

Collocations: find a solution, a practical solution, a creative solution

Academic Vocab

vivid

/ˈvɪvɪd/

viv‑id

adjective

Something that is vivid is very bright, strong, or detailed, creating a clear and powerful impression.

Word family: vividly (adv.), vividness (n.)

Example: She used vivid descriptions of colour and sound to bring the rainforest setting to life for the reader.

Synonyms: bright, striking, detailed

Collocations: vivid description, vivid language, vivid imagery

specific

/spɪˈsɪfɪk/

spe‑cif‑ic

adjective

Something that is specific is clearly identified and exact, rather than general or vague.

Word Breakdown: -ic (suffix meaning ‘relating to’)

Word family: specifically (adv.), specify (v.)

Example: The teacher asked students to give a specific example from the text rather than a general answer.

Synonyms: exact, particular, precise

Collocations: specific example, specific detail, be specific

precise

/prɪˈsaɪs/

pre‑cise

adjective

Something that is precise is exactly correct and accurate, with no unnecessary vagueness.

Word family: precisely (adv.), precision (n.)

Example: She chose her words precisely to make sure the instructions left no room for misunderstanding.

Synonyms: accurate, exact, careful

Collocations: precise language, be precise, precise instructions

clear

/klɪə/

clear

adjective

Something that is clear is easy to understand, see, or hear, with no confusion.

Word family: clearly (adv.), clarity (n.)

Example: She rewrote the instructions so they were clear enough for a Year 3 student to follow.

Synonyms: obvious, understandable, straightforward

Collocations: make it clear, a clear explanation, clear language

effective

/ɪˈfɛktɪv/

ef‑fec‑tive

adjective

Something that is effective produces the result it was meant to achieve.

Word family: effectively (adv.), effectiveness (n.)

Example: The most effective strategy was to begin each paragraph with a strong topic sentence.

Synonyms: successful, powerful, productive

Collocations: an effective strategy, effective writing, highly effective

consequently

/ˈkɒnsɪkwəntli/

con‑se‑quent‑ly

adverb

‘Consequently’ is used to introduce a result or outcome that follows directly from what was just described.

Example: She had not revised her notes; consequently, she found several of the test questions difficult.

Synonyms: therefore, as a result, so

Collocations: consequently, this shows; consequently, the; consequently, students should

Confusing Words

whether vs weather

These two words sound very similar but have completely different meanings.

  • whether — Whether' is a conjunction used to introduce a choice between two possibilities — for example, She was unsure whether to include a diagram or a table in her report.
  • weather — Weather' is a noun referring to atmospheric conditions such as rain, wind, or sunshine — for example, The weather was so unpredictable that the class moved their outdoor activity inside.

Memory rule: A helpful trick: 'weather' contains the word 'eat', which can remind you it contains 'ea' like 'sea' and relates to the outdoors. If you are describing a choice or condition, use 'whether'.