The Rules of Suffix Addition

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 140 views

When it comes to adding suffixes to words that end in a silent "e," it can be a bit tricky to determine the correct spelling. In this article, we will explore the rules and exceptions of suffix addition to silent "e" words, and provide you with the best answer to the question: Which spelling correctly adds a suffix to the silent "e" word?

Understanding Silent "e" Words

Before we dive into the rules of suffix addition, let's first understand what silent "e" words are. Silent "e" words are words that end in the letter "e" but do not pronounce it. Examples of silent "e" words include:

Glove
Love
Move
prove

The Rules of Suffix Addition

When adding a suffix to a silent "e" word, there are two main rules to follow:

Drop the silent "e": When adding a suffix to a silent "e" word, the silent "e" is usually dropped. This is because the suffix is added to the root word, and the silent "e" is not pronounced.
Add the suffix: Once the silent "e" is dropped, the suffix is added to the root word.

Examples of Suffix Addition

Let's look at some examples of suffix addition to silent "e" words:

Glove + -ing = Goving (not Gloveing)
Love + -ing = Loving (not Loveing)
Move + -ing = Moving (not Moveing)
prove + -ing = Proving (not Proveing)

The Best Answer

Now that we have explored the rules and exceptions of suffix addition to silent "e" words, let's get back to the question: Which spelling correctly adds a suffix to the silent "e" word?

Based on the rules we have discussed, the correct answer is:

B. excitable

The reason for this is that the silent "e" is dropped, and the suffix -able is added to the root word excit.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of suffix addition to silent "e" words requires a good understanding of the rules and exceptions. By following the two main rules of suffix addition (dropping the silent "e" and adding the suffix), you can ensure that you are spelling words correctly. Remember, the correct answer is B. excitable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the rule for adding a suffix to a silent "e" word? A: The rule is to drop the silent "e" and add the suffix.
Q: What is an example of a silent "e" word? A: Examples of silent "e" words include glove, love, move, and prove.
Q: Why is the silent "e" dropped when adding a suffix? A: The silent "e" is dropped because it is not pronounced, and the suffix is added to the root word.

Additional Resources

For more information on suffix addition to silent "e" words, check out the following resources:

Grammar Girl: A website that provides tips and resources on grammar and punctuation.
Merriam-Webster: A dictionary website that provides definitions and examples of words.
Khan Academy: A website that provides free online courses and resources on grammar and language.

Conclusion

In our previous article, we explored the rules and exceptions of suffix addition to silent "e" words. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about suffix addition to silent "e" words.

Q: What is the rule for adding a suffix to a silent "e" word?

A: The rule is to drop the silent "e" and add the suffix. This is because the silent "e" is not pronounced, and the suffix is added to the root word.

Q: What is an example of a silent "e" word?

A: Examples of silent "e" words include:

Glove
Love
Move
prove

Q: Why is the silent "e" dropped when adding a suffix?

A: The silent "e" is dropped because it is not pronounced, and the suffix is added to the root word. This is a general rule in English grammar, and it applies to most silent "e" words.

Q: Are there any exceptions to the rule?

A: Yes, there are some exceptions to the rule. For example:

Gnome: When adding a suffix to the word gnome, the silent "e" is not dropped. Instead, the suffix is added to the word with the silent "e".
Vole: When adding a suffix to the word vole, the silent "e" is not dropped. Instead, the suffix is added to the word with the silent "e".

Q: How do I know when to drop the silent "e"?

A: To determine whether to drop the silent "e", you can follow these steps:

Check if the word ends in a silent "e".
If the word ends in a silent "e", drop the silent "e" and add the suffix.
If the word does not end in a silent "e", do not drop the silent "e".

Q: Can I use a dictionary to check the spelling of a word with a suffix?

A: Yes, you can use a dictionary to check the spelling of a word with a suffix. However, keep in mind that dictionaries may not always follow the rules of suffix addition, and may list words with incorrect spellings.

Q: Are there any online resources that can help me with suffix addition?

A: Yes, there are many online resources that can help you with suffix addition. Some popular resources include:

Grammar Girl: A website that provides tips and resources on grammar and punctuation.
Merriam-Webster: A dictionary website that provides definitions and examples of words.
Khan Academy: A website that provides free online courses and resources on grammar and language.

Q: Can I practice suffix addition with exercises and quizzes?

A: Yes, you can practice suffix addition with exercises and quizzes. Some popular resources include:

Grammar Girl: A website that provides exercises and quizzes on grammar and punctuation.
Khan Academy: A website that provides free online courses and resources on grammar and language.
Quizlet: A website that provides flashcards and quizzes on grammar and vocabulary.

Conclusion

In conclusion, suffix addition to silent "e" words can be a bit tricky, but with practice and patience, you can master the rules and exceptions. Remember to drop the silent "e" and add the suffix, and use online resources to check your spelling. Happy learning!