Affixes always change the meaning of a base word. Sometimes that change is very small, and sometimes it’s drastic. Adding an affix can also change the word’s part of speech. For example, the word definite is an adjective, but definitely is an adverb.
In the examples below, notice how the part of speech changes each time an affix is added. See if you can identify the part of speech for the underlined word in each sentence. Then, click the sentence to check your answer.
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The word beauty is a noun. Here, it means a creature that is pleasing to look at. |
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Adding the suffix -ful to beauty creates an adjective. |
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Adding the suffix -ly changes the word beautiful from an adjective to an adverb. |
What other suffixes are used in English to transform a word’s part of speech? See if you recognize any of the patterns described below.
When you add the suffix -ion to a verb, you create a noun that names some kind of action. For instance, creation describes the act of creating. There are several other suffixes that have the same effect on a verb: -ation, -sion, and -tion. See if you can guess the noun that is formed by adding one of these suffixes to each of the verbs below. Click the verb to check your answer.
Question
What suffix could you add to the word argue to create a noun?
The suffix -ive turns verbs into adjectives. For example, a mother bear will protect her young cubs from danger. If you stand between a mother bear and her cubs, though, you’ll learn that a protective mother bear is quite dangerous.
Question
What adjective ending in -ive describes a person who is good at creating things?
The suffix -ous turn nouns into adjectives. For example, a mother bear protecting her cubs is dangerous (full of danger), and an adventurous person is eager for adventure.
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That person is furious. |
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That plant would be poisonous. |
The suffix -ly turn adjectives into adverbs―words that explain how something is done. Wise is an adjective, for instance, but wisely describes a wise action, making it an adverb.
Question
Sabrina’s grandfather had difficulty hearing about her day at school. What adverb ending in -ly would describe how she had to speak to her grandfather?
