The Adjectives that Double the Consonant

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 79 views

Adjectives that Double the Consonant when -ly is Added: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding the Rule

When the suffix -ly is added to certain adjectives, the consonant preceding the suffix is doubled. This rule is an essential part of English grammar, and understanding it can help you to improve your writing and speaking skills. In this article, we will explore the adjectives that follow this rule and provide examples of how to apply it.

The Adjectives that Double the Consonant

The following adjectives double the consonant when the suffix -ly is added:

Scientific becomes scientifically
Serious becomes seriously
Direction becomes directly
Finally becomes finally (Note: This is an exception to the rule, as it is an adverb rather than an adjective)
Eventually becomes eventually (Note: This is an adverb rather than an adjective)
Furious becomes furiously

Spelling Words that Match the Parts of Speech

Here are the spelling words that match the parts of speech:

Word	Part of Speech	Spelling
Scientific	Adjective	s-c-i-e-n-t-i-f-i-c
Serious	Adjective	s-e-r-i-o-u-s
Direction	Noun	d-i-r-e-c-t-i-o-n
Finally	Adverb	f-i-n-a-l-l-y
Eventually	Adverb	e-v-e-n-t-u-a-l-l-y
Furious	Adjective	f-u-r-i-o-u-s

Reading Each Word Aloud, with and without its Suffix

Here are the words read aloud, with and without their suffixes:

Scientific: /sɪˈɛntɪfɪk/ (suh-EN-tih-fik) - /sɪˈɛntɪfɪk/ (suh-EN-tih-fik)
Scientifically: /sɪˈɛntɪfɪkəli/ (suh-EN-tih-fih-klee) - /sɪˈɛntɪfɪkli/ (suh-EN-tih-fih-klee)
Serious: /ˈsɪəriəs/ (SIR-ee-uhs) - /ˈsɪəriəs/ (SIR-ee-uhs)
Seriously: /ˈsɪəriəsli/ (SIR-ee-uhs-lee) - /ˈsɪəriəsli/ (SIR-ee-uhs-lee)
Direction: /dɪˈrɛkʃən/ (di-REK-shun) - /dɪˈrɛkʃən/ (di-REK-shun)
Directly: /dɪˈrɛkʃli/ (di-REK-lee) - /dɪˈrɛkʃli/ (di-REK-lee)
Finally: /ˈfɪnəli/ (FIN-uh-lee) - /ˈfɪnəli/ (FIN-uh-lee)
Furiously: /fjuːˈrɪəsli/ (FYOOR-ee-uhs-lee) - /fjuːˈrɪəsli/ (FYOOR-ee-uhs-lee)
Eventually: /ɪˈvɛntʃuəli/ (ih-VEN-chuh-lee) - /ɪˈvɛntʃuəli/ (ih-VEN-chuh-lee)

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the rule of doubling the consonant when the suffix -ly is added is essential for improving your writing and speaking skills. By applying this rule, you can create more complex and interesting sentences. Remember to practice reading each word aloud, with and without its suffix, to get a better feel for how the rule works.
Frequently Asked Questions: Adjectives that Double the Consonant when -ly is Added

Q: What is the rule for doubling the consonant when the suffix -ly is added?

A: The rule states that when the suffix -ly is added to certain adjectives, the consonant preceding the suffix is doubled. This rule applies to adjectives that end in a single consonant followed by a single vowel.

Q: Which adjectives follow this rule?

A: The following adjectives double the consonant when the suffix -ly is added:

Scientific
Serious
Direction
Furious

Q: What about the words "finally" and "eventually"? Do they follow the rule?

A: No, "finally" and "eventually" are exceptions to the rule. They are adverbs rather than adjectives, and they do not follow the rule of doubling the consonant when the suffix -ly is added.

Q: Why is it important to understand this rule?

A: Understanding this rule is essential for improving your writing and speaking skills. By applying this rule, you can create more complex and interesting sentences. It can also help you to avoid making mistakes in your writing and speaking.

Q: How can I practice applying this rule?

A: One way to practice applying this rule is to read each word aloud, with and without its suffix. This will help you to get a better feel for how the rule works and to develop your skills in applying it.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when applying this rule?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when applying this rule include:

Failing to double the consonant when the suffix -ly is added
Doubling the consonant when it is not necessary
Using the wrong word or phrase to convey the intended meaning

Q: How can I use this rule in my writing and speaking?

A: You can use this rule in your writing and speaking by applying it to adjectives that end in a single consonant followed by a single vowel. For example:

"The scientific community has made significant progress in understanding the natural world."
"The serious consequences of climate change are a major concern for many people."
"The direction of the company is changing, and new opportunities are emerging."

Q: What are some examples of words that do not follow this rule?

A: Some examples of words that do not follow this rule include:

Happy: becomes happily
Silly: becomes silly
Tall: becomes tall

Q: Why do some words not follow this rule?

A: Some words do not follow this rule because they do not end in a single consonant followed by a single vowel. For example, "happy" ends in a double consonant, and "silly" ends in a single consonant followed by a double vowel.

Conclusion