Key learning points

1. Many suffixes follow the same or similar spelling rules to create generalised rules, but there are always exceptions.
2. The suffixes -ed and -ing change the tense of a word.
3. The suffixes -s and -es change a noun from singular to plural.
4. The suffixes -en, -ate, -ise and -ify often turn adjectives and nouns into verbs.
5. The suffixes -al, -ic, -ful and -less create adjectives.

Keywords

• Suffix - a letter or group of letters added to the end of a root word

• Root word - the base word from which other words are formed often by adding prefixes or suffixes

• Exception - a case or situation that does not follow the usual or expected rule or pattern

Common misconception