Adding suffixes to words ending -ce and -ge
In a previous suffix worksheet we learned the following pattern
for silent e words:
for silent e words:
- When adding a consonant suffix: keep the silent e
- When adding a vowel suffix: drop the silent
e
So: blame+less = blameless but blame+ing = blaming
This pattern works most of the time.
That's why I prefer to call it a pattern rather than a rule.
But there are a few exceptions. Here's the main one:
Where the base word ends in -ce or -ge, then
you keep the silent e before -able and -ous. So:
| enforce + able | = enforceable |
| notice + able | = noticeable |
| service + able | = serviceable |
| courage + ous | = courageous |
| outrage + ous | = outrageous |
Now memorize the focus words and test yourself on them. |
|
USA
Spelling Books
USA Spelling Books |
<--- Click the appropriate link on the left for my list of recommended spelling books available from Amazon. Roger. <--- Click the appropriate link on the left for my list of recommended spelling books available from Amazon. Roger. |
Roger Smith
Focus Words
enforceable
noticeable
serviceable
courageous
outrageous
manageable
changeable