Suffix Spelling Rules

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Suffix Spelling Rules

Rule 1: Double the Consonant


Adding suffixes to some base words that end with a consonant requires
doubling the last letter, but only in certain situations.
 Short Vowel and One Consonant
When a word ends in a short vowel sound followed by a single consonant,
the last letter of the word will need to be doubled before the suffix is
added.
 fat + -er = Fatter
 flip + -ed = flipped
 mud + -y = muddy
 shop + -ed = shopped
 swim + -ing = swimming
 Multiple Syllables and L at the End
When a word has more than one syllable and ends with the letter "l,"
you will need to double the "l" when adding the suffix.
cancel + -ed = cancelled
control + -ed = controlled
propel + -er = propeller
compel + -ing = compelling
fulfil + -ment = fulfillment
 Exceptions to the Doubling Rule
The doubling rule does not apply to words that end in "w," "x" or "y."

Rule 2: Drop the Silent E


The rule for dropping the final silent "e" in a word is based on whether the
first letter of the suffix is a vowel or consonant.
 Silent E and Vowel Suffix
When a word ends in a silent letter "e" and you are adding a suffix that
begins with a vowel, then drop the final "e."
drive + -ing = driving make + -er = maker
hope + -ing = hoping use + -er = user
adore + -able = adorable

Silent E Exception
There are a few words that meet the criteria for
dropping the silent "e" with a vowel suffix, but with
which the "e" must be kept.
like + -able = likeable
size + -able = sizeable
Rule 3: Keep the Final E
There are a few situations in which the final "e" stays
with a word when adding a suffix.
 Base Words Ending in CG or GE
When the base word ends in the letters "ce" or "ge"
and the suffix begins with the letters "a" or "o," the
final "e" should stay.
advantage + -ous = advantageous
change + -able = changeable
courage + -ous = courageous
service + -able = serviceable
notice + -able = noticeable

Base Words Ending in EE or YE


You will also need to keep the "e" at the end of the
word if it ends in "ee" or "ye."

agree + -ing = agreeing


decree + -ing = decreeing
eye + -ing = eyeing
foresee + -ing = foreseeing
see + -ing = seeing
Adding the Suffix -ly
Remember to keep the "e" if using the suffix -ly.
late + -ly = lately
rare + -ly = rarely
love + -ly = lovely
home + -ly = homely
definite + -ly = definitely
Adding the Suffix -ful
When you add the suffix -ful to a word that ends with
an "e," keep the "e."
care + -ful = careful
use + -ful = useful
peace + -ful = peaceful

Rule 4: Keep the Y


There are a few scenarios that require keeping the "y"
at the end of a word when adding a suffix

Base Words Ending in a Vowel Then Y


When a word ends with "y" and has a vowel before
the "y," then keep the "y" when adding a suffix.
enjoy + -ed = enjoyed
play + -ing = playing
buy + -er = buyer
joy + -ful = joyful

 Adding a Suffix That Starts With I


Another time to keep the "y" is if the suffix starts with
the letter "i."

Remember that a word cannot have two i's in a row.


worry + -ing = worrying
copy + -ing = copying
carry + -ing = carrying
supply + -ing = supplying
marry + -ing = marrying

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