You show how to tie a shoe. You let your friend watch. You are an example.
Today we learn four words. “Example,” “exemplary,” “exemplify,” and “exemplified.”
Each word shares the idea of a model or sample. Each does a different job.
Parents and children can learn these words together. They help with teaching.
What Does “Same Word, Different Forms” Mean?
One idea takes different shapes. The idea here is a model or pattern.
“Example” is a noun. “The teacher gave an example of a sentence.” Sample.
“Exemplary” is an adjective. “Her behavior was exemplary.” Outstanding.
“Exemplify” is a verb. “The hero exemplifies courage.” Action.
“Exemplified” is a past tense verb or adjective. “His work exemplified hard work.” Past action. “The exemplified rule.” Describes.
Same root. Different endings. Different jobs. The model stays.
Personal Pronouns Change Their Form
Pronouns change for grammar. “I” becomes “me.” “We” becomes “us.”
Our words change for role and time. “Here is an example.” Noun.
“His work is exemplary.” Describes. “These values exemplify kindness.” Action.
“She exemplified honesty.” Past.
Pronouns help us speak faster. Word families help us talk about good models.
When children know these four words, they learn by seeing.
From Verb to Noun to Adjective to Adverb – One Family, Many Words
“Example” is a noun. “Follow my example.” Model.
“Exemplary” is an adjective. “Exemplary students get awards.” Outstanding.
“Exemplify” is a verb. “Your kindness exemplifies our school’s values.” Action.
“Exemplified” is a past verb. “The leader exemplified courage.” Past action.
“Exemplified” is also an adjective. “The exemplified standard was high.” Shown.
We have no common adverbs. “Exemplarily” from “exemplary” is rare.
Four members. Very useful for character education.
One Root, Many Roles – How Words Grow from Actions to Qualities
The root “example” comes from Latin “exemplum,” meaning a sample or pattern. “Ex-” out + “emere” to take.
From that root, we add “-ary” to make an adjective. “Exemplary” means serving as a good example.
We add “-fy” to make a verb. “Exemplify” means to show by example.
We add “-ed” for past tense or to make an adjective meaning “shown.”
Help your child see this pattern. Example is the model. Exemplary describes the model’s quality. Exemplify is the act of showing. Exemplified means already shown.
Same Meaning, Different Jobs – Is It a Verb or a Noun?
Look at “example.” Always a noun. “Set a good example.”
“Exemplary” is always an adjective. “She did exemplary work.”
“Exemplify” is always a verb. “These actions exemplify bravery.”
“Exemplified” can be a past verb or adjective. “He exemplified patience.” Past verb. “The exemplified behavior.” Adjective.
No confusion. Each form has a clear role.
Teach children that “exemplary” is a high compliment.
Adjectives and Adverbs – When Do We Add -ly?
We add “-ly” to “exemplary” to make “exemplarily.” This is an adverb.
“She acted exemplarily.” Means in an exemplary way.
We do not add “-ly” to “example,” “exemplify,” or “exemplified.”
For children, “exemplarily” is advanced. Stick to the main words.
Watch Out for Tricky Spelling Changes (Double Letters, y to i, and More)
Spelling has one change. “Exemplify” changes the “y” to “i” for “-ed.”
“Exemplify” + “ed” = exemplified. Change the “y” to “i.” Exemplifi + ed = exemplified.
For “example” and “exemplary,” no changes.
No double letters.
Practice with your child. Write “exemplify.” Change “y” to “i,” add “ed.” You get “exemplified.” Write “example” and “exemplary” separately.
Let’s Practice – Can You Choose the Right Form?
Try these sentences. Fill in the blank with example, exemplary, exemplify, or exemplified.
Let me give you an _____. (noun)
Her attendance record is _____. (adjective)
These paintings _____ the artist’s skill. (action verb)
The coach _____ good sportsmanship throughout the season. (past tense verb)
Follow my _____, and you will succeed. (noun)
The student received an award for _____ behavior. (adjective)
The sculpture _____ the beauty of simplicity. (past tense verb)
Please _____ the rules by showing us how to follow them. (action verb)
Answers: 1 example, 2 exemplary, 3 exemplify, 4 exemplified, 5 example, 6 exemplary, 7 exemplified, 8 exemplify.
Number 3 uses “exemplify” as present tense verb.
Number 8 uses “exemplify” as an action verb.
Tips for Parents – Help Your Child Learn Word Families in a Fun Way
Set an example. “I will set an example by reading every day.”
Praise exemplary behavior. “That was exemplary sharing!”
Exemplify a value. “You exemplify kindness when you help.”
Point to exemplified actions. “Her work exemplified effort.”
Play a game. You name a value. Your child acts it out to exemplify it.
“Patience.” (Child sits quietly.) “That exemplifies patience!”
Draw a star student. Write “exemplary” on the star.
Read a book about role models. “The King of Kindergarten” by Derrick Barnes.
Do not correct every mistake. “Exemplify” is a big word. Celebrate attempts.
Celebrate when your child uses “exemplary.” That word is a compliment.
Explain that an example can be good or bad. “A bad example shows what not to do.”
Tomorrow you will set an example with your manners. You will notice exemplary kindness in a friend. You will exemplify patience in a long line. You will have exemplified your values.
Your child might say “You are my example.” You will feel honored.
Keep setting examples. Keep noticing exemplary acts. Keep exemplifying good traits. Keep remembering exemplified moments.
Your child will grow in language and in character. Example is powerful. Words help us follow it.
