Suffixes 02

Suffixes usually change the function of a word within a sentence. For example, the word "appear" is a verb but "appearance" is a noun. You will come across plenty of suffixes in your English lessons.

This quiz requires you to recognise which words are able to take which suffixes. Although the English language is very adaptable, not all words can have the same suffixes added. Whereas it is possible to create adjectives by adding -able to verbs (for instance, "adaptable", "reachable", "drinkable", "distinguishable", etc.), this does not work with all verbs. "Meltable" would be useful, but is, alas, not a real word.

Interestingly, the addition of the suffix -ly to adjectives in order to create adverbs such as "readily", "prettily" and "smartly" seems to work in most cases. Can you think of any adjectives which can't have -ly added? Colours don't work: "redly", "bluely" and "yellowly" aren't real words. Have fun with language by trying out some transformations with suffixes.

Take this quiz for more practice with suffixes.