- If a suffix begins with a consonant (e.g., s, ment, ness, ful, ly, less), attach it directly to the end of the base word.
- If a suffix begins with a vowel (e.g., es, al, ity, eous, er, ed, ion, ial, ic, ious, ive, ing, ible, y, ous, en, est), follow these rules:
1. If the base word ends in a single vowel + consonant and the vowel has a short sound, double the final consonant before adding the suffix (e.g., run + ing = running).
2. If the base word ends in a single vowel + consonant and the vowel has a long sound, do not double the final consonant (e.g., seep + ing = seeping).
3. If the base word ends in a silent 'e', drop the 'e' before adding the suffix (e.g., hope + ing = hoping).
- If the base word ends in a consonant + 'y', change the 'y' to 'i' before adding the suffix (e.g., happy + ness = happiness).
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of common suffixes worksheet.
