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Here is the entry for Word Families & Word Formation. It is highlighted below.
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What it is

Most gap-fill tasks are decided before you look at the options: the words around the gap tell you what kind of word must go in. Word families let you predict the answer and reject wrong options fast.

Form

TypePattern
Nounroot + -tion / -ment / -ness / -itydecide → decision, enjoy → enjoyment, happy → happinessroot + -tion / -ment / -ness / -ity
Verbroot (+ -ise / -en)modern → modernise, wide → widenroot (+ -ise / -en)
Adjectiveroot + -ful / -ous / -able / -ivecare → careful, danger → dangerousroot + -ful / -ous / -able / -ive
Adverbadjective + -lyquick → quickly, careful → carefullyadjective + -ly
Oppositeun- / in- / im- / dis- + wordhappy → unhappy, possible → impossibleun- / in- / im- / dis- + word
Grammar-word gapsarticle / preposition / pronoun / auxiliaryShe's interested ____ art. → inarticle / preposition / pronoun / auxiliary

Note: One root, several forms — learn them together.

Use it when

  • A gap is preceded by 'a / an / the' or an adjective → a noun is missing.
  • A gap follows a subject and there is no other verb → a verb is missing.
  • A gap sits before a noun → an adjective; after a verb describing how → an adverb.
  • A gap allows only one short word → it is grammar: article, preposition, pronoun or auxiliary.

Examples

  • The film was a huge ____ (success) — noun after 'a huge'.
  • She spoke ____ (quiet) so nobody heard — adverb after the verb.
  • It's an ____ (interest) idea — adjective before a noun.
  • I'm looking forward ____ seeing you — grammar gap: to.

Watch out

  • It was a very danger sport.→It was a very dangerous sport.

    Before a noun you need the adjective form.

  • She sings beautiful.→She sings beautifully.

    Describing how someone does something needs the adverb.

  • He made a good decide.→He made a good decision.

    After an article + adjective, the gap is a noun.

  • I depend of my parents.→I depend on my parents.

    Fixed verb + preposition pairs must be learned as one unit.

Remember

  • Decide the word family first, choose the word second.
  • Two-word verbs (look after, take part in) count as one fixed answer — learn them whole.
  • Comparatives need than; superlatives need the: bigger than, the biggest.

Quick check

  1. 1. What family is missing? 'We need a quick ____ .'

    Answer: noun (e.g. solution)

  2. 2. Form the adverb: careful → ____

    Answer: carefully

  3. 3. Fill the grammar gap: 'She's good ____ maths.'

    Answer: at