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 Suffixes: The Disappearing ‘e’ Rule for Words Ending in a ‘Magic e’

For words ending in an ‘e’, if the suffix begins with a VOWEL
or a ‘y’ (e.g. –ing, -y), you usually drop the ‘e’ before you add the suffix.

hate + ing hat ing hating

e
wide + est = widest adore + able = adorable grumble + ing = grumbling

If the suffix begins with a CONSONANT (e.g. – less, -ly), just add the suffix!

use + ful = useful safe + ly = safely care + less = careless

 Suffixes: C-V-C Rule for Suffixes Beginning with a Vowel or ‘y’

If the suffix begins with a VOWEL or a ‘y’:
1. Look at the last three letters of the word.
2. If they have the order consonant-vowel-consonant (C-V-C), you usually DOUBLE
the last consonant before adding the suffix.

spot + y = spotty part + ing = parting

The last 3 letters of ‘spot’ The last 3 letters of ‘part’ are

are C-V-C, so double the ‘t’. NOT C-V-C, so don’t double the ‘t’.
.

If the suffix begins with a CONSONANT (e.g. – less, -ly), just add the suffix!

spot + less = spotless thin + ly = thinly red + ness = redness

6. Homophones

Homophones are words that sound the same but have different meanings and a
different spelling (e.g. not and knot). Using the wrong homophone is a common mistake
people make when they write.

When you proofread your work, keep a look out
for homophones and check that you have used
the correct one!

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