Suffix (2)

B. Adjective Suffixes
B1. ‘-able’/ ‘-ible’ with verbs, means ‘can be done’ (e.g. drinkable, washable, readable, forgivable, edible (can be eaten) flexible (can be bent))

C. Verbs
C1. ‘-ise’ (or ‘–ize’) forms verbs from adjectives (e.g. modernize (make modern), commercialise, industrialise)

D. Other Suffixes that can help you recognise the word-class
D1. –ment: (nouns) excitement, enjoyment, replacement
D2. –ity: (nouns) flexibility, productivity, scarcity
D3. –hood: (abstract nouns especially family terms) childhood, motherhood
D4. –ship: (abstract nouns especially status) friendship, partnership, membership
D5. –ive: (adjectives) passive, productive, active
D6. –al: (adjectives) brutal, legal (nouns) refusal, arrival
D7. –ous: (adjectives) delicious, outrageous, furious
D8. –ful: (adjectives) forgetful, hopeful, useful
D9. –ify: (verbs) beautify, purify, terrify

(Source: English Vocabulary in Use, Cambridge University Press)

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