Prefixes Suffixes

Learning Prefixes and Suffixes was never so easy as it is now. This site represents the most complete collection of prefixes, suffixes, roots, and word stems found on the Web today.

If you don't find it here... it might not exist.

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For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

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Suffixes

Learning suffixes can cause some problems when it comes to spelling them correctly.

Spelling rules can sometimes be a little confusing so I've included this page to help those who sometimes have difficulty knowing how to add a suffix.

Suffixes do change words but the way in which they are added often cause spelling problems for those learning English.

I'll admit it, even native English speakers find the spelling rules for suffixes a little challenging sometimes.

We'll start with the suffix spelling rules. Most of the time the spelling of the word and the suffixes simply stay exactly the same. However, there are some rules below that should prove beneficial for learning suffixes.

RULE: 1 - When a word ends with a consonant and the suffix begins with a consonant, just add the suffix with no spelling changes.

entertainment = entertain + ment
advertisement = advertise + ment
regretful = regret + ful

RULE: 2 - For most words ending in a single consonant you need to double the last letter when you add suffixes. This is especially true for one syllable words!

run + ing = running
fun + y = funny

RULE: 3 - When the one syllable word ends with more than one consonant, the last letter is NOT doubled.

start + ing = starting
ring + ing = ringing

RULE: 4 - For words with more than one syllable and end with the letter "L" you must double the "L" when adding suffixes.

reveal + ing = revealling
cancel + ed = cancelled

RULE:5 - Words that are stressed on the last syllable and end with a single consonant, you need to double the last letter.

refer + ing = referring
begin + er = beginner

RULE:6 - Words that are NOT stressed on the last syllable, you do NOT need to double the last letter.

benefit + ed = benefited
offer + ing = offering

RULE: 7 - The"Y" to "I" and the silent "E"

Words ending in a consonant plus "Y" = the "Y" is changed to "I" when adding the suffix. When adding the suffix 'ing' to a word ending in "Y" = you keep the "Y."

lonely + ness = loneliness
happy + ness = happiness
copy + ing = copying

Silent "E" words end with a consonant and an "E." Words like love, like, and hope... you drop the "E" when you add the suffix.

pimple + y = pimply
simple + y = simply

For information about medical suffixes just click on suffixes and you'll go to a page containing the medical suffixes.

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