Vocabulary Worksheet · Grades 3–5
Clipped Words Worksheet
A printable vocabulary worksheet for grades 3-5 on clipped words: long words shortened to short everyday words with the same meaning, like phone from telephone and gym from gymnasium. Students write the full word for eight clipped words, then answer six short questions. A complete answer key is included.
Subject
Vocabulary
Grades
Grades 3–5
Skill Focus
Clipped Words, word formation
Lesson Length
15 minutes
Lesson Overview
About this worksheet
A clipped word is a long word shortened to a shorter everyday word that keeps the same meaning – phone from telephone, gym from gymnasium. Unlike a contraction, a clipped word uses no apostrophe. We use clipped words constantly because they are quicker to say. This worksheet teaches students to recognize clipped words and their full forms.
Section A gives eight clipped words (bike, ad, fridge, math) and asks students to write the full word for each. The reference box teaches clipped words with phone, gym, photo, and plane examples not reused in the items.
Section B applies the skill: students define a clipped word, give the full form of phone, clip photograph, confirm there is no apostrophe, expand gym, and supply another clipped word. Page 3 is a complete answer key. The skill rounds out word formation alongside contractions, blends, and abbreviations.
How to Use This Lesson
Read the reference box aloud and show phone <- telephone, gym <- gymnasium.
Complete Section A independently – have students think of the longer word each came from.
Work Section B item 14 together: brainstorm more clipped words as a class.
Use the answer key on page 3 for self-check or teacher review.
Pair with the Contractions Worksheet or the Blended Words Worksheet for a word-formation mini-unit.
Printable Resource
A classroom-ready PDF with everything in one printable resource.
Full Member Resource · Printable PDF · 3 pages · Answer Key
Clipped Words Worksheet
A printable vocabulary worksheet for grades 3-5 on clipped words: long words shortened to short everyday words with the same meaning, like phone from telephone and gym from gymnasium. Students write the full word for eight clipped words, then answer six short questions. A complete answer key is included.
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