Writing of correct spellings is one of the most important part of learning the English Language. Sometimes, it becomes very difficult to add Prefix or a Suffix to a word.
Below we have listed some important rules governing their correct use of Prefixes and Suffixes.
| Rule | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 |
Words of one syllable ending in single vowel + single consonant If a Suffix beginning with a Vowel is to be added to a word of one syllable ending in asingle Vowel + single consonant, the last consonant of the base word is doubled. Example
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| 2 |
If a Suffix is to be added to a word of more than one syllable ending in a single Vowel + single consonant, the last consonant of the base word is doubled, provided that the last consonant is stressed. Example
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| 3 |
If a Suffix is to be added to words ending in single consonant l, the consonant l is doubled. Example
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| 4 |
If a Suffix beginning with a Vowel is to be added to words ending in silent e, the e is dropped. Example
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| 5 |
If a Suffix beginning with a consonant is to be added to words ending in silent e, the e is not dropped. Example
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| 6 |
If a Suffix beginning with a, o, u is to be added to words ending in ce or ge, the silent e at the end of the base word is not dropped. This is done for the sake of retaining the original pronunciation of ce (as s, not k) and ge (as j, not g). Example
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| 7 |
If a Suffix is to be added to words ending in y preceded by a consonant, y is changed into i. But if the suffixing is to be added, y is not changed into i. Example
But
Note (1) If there is a Vowel before the last y in the base word, the y is not changed. Example
(2) The following are the exceptions to this rule :Beauteous, piteous, bounteous, plenteous, shyly, shyness, dryness, slyly, slyness. |
| 8 |
If the Suffix full is to be added to the words ending in ll, one l both from the base word and the suffix is dropped. Example
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| 9 |
In case of doubt whether ei or ie will be correct in the spellings of a word, remember that after c is used ei, and after other letters is used ie. Example Conceive, receive |