English Suffix: Definition, Rules, Exceptions, Practice Questions with Answers

Updated on Jun 11, 2025 12:55 IST

A Suffix, in English language, is a letter or group of letters that is added at the end of a word, which changes the meaning of the word or the way it is used. When a suffix is added at the end of a base word, it changes its conjugation, word type, or other grammar properties like plurality. For example, for a noun like Strength, if you add a suffix ‘s’, it becomes strengths (plural form). If you add a suffix ‘en’, it changes it into a verb ‘strengthen’.

To understand the concept better, students should have clear knowledge about suffix meaning, definition, examples, types, exceptions. This Shiksha page includes all this and more, so that students can practice and get familiarized with the subject of suffixes which are an integral part of English grammar.

Also Read: Conjunctions in English Grammar

Table of content

What is a suffix?
Definition of Suffix
Types of Suffix
Rules and Structure of Suffixes in English Grammar
Special Cases and Exceptions in English Suffixes
Preparation Tips to Master Prefix in English Grammar
How To Identify Suffixes In English Sentences
Suffixes in Spoken and Written English
Common Errors to Avoid in Suffix in English Grammar
Best Books to Study Suffix in English Grammar
Practice Questions on English Suffix

What is a suffix?

Suffixes play a major role in English language, not only in grammar, but also in writing and reading comprehension. Suffixes are added to the end of a word to modify its meaning.

Suffixes are used in the conjugation of regular verbs. For example, if we add -s or –es to a verb, it shows that it’s third person, singular, and present tense. Adding –ed to a verb shows that it’s past tense.

For example:

I work in the city.
She works in the city. (third person, singular and present tense)
She worked in the city. (past tense)

Sometimes, adding ‘s’ suffix also makes the plural version of the noun. For example, the cats are playing in the garden.

You will read about all the types, rules and exceptions of Suffixes, later in the page.

Also Read: Antonyms: Meaning, Exceptions and Examples

Definition of Suffix

According to Cambridge dictionary, Suffix is “a letter or group of letters added at the end of a word to make a new word.”

For example, the suffix "-ness" added to the end of the word "sweet" forms the word "sweetness", changing an adjective into a noun.

Sweet: This coffee is too sweet.

Sweetness: There is unguarded sweetness in her behavior.

It is pronounced as: uk/ˈsʌf.ɪks/ us/ˈsʌf.ɪks/

According to Collins Dictionary, a suffix is “a letter or group of letters, which is added to the end of a word in order to form a different word, often of a different word class. For example, the suffix '-ly' is added to ' quick' to form 'quickly'.”

Quick: She is very quick in her job.

Quickly: Please get this job done quickly.

It is pronounced as: sʌfɪks

Also Read: Adverbs with Meaning and Examples

Types of Suffix

In English grammar, suffixes can be categorized into two types: inflectional and derivational. While inflectional suffixes change the word’s grammatical behavior, Derivational suffixes, on the other hand, change a word's meaning or its part of speech. Let’s take a detailed look at them with examples:

Inflectional Suffixes

These suffixes include s, ing, ed, ves. They indicate things like tense, number, possession, or case. Inflectional suffixes don't typically change a word's core meaning but change the form of a word to fit its grammatical context.

Examples:

She walks in the garden.
She lived in this house a year back.
They can come homes themselves.

Derivational Suffixes

These suffixes include, ment, ness, tion, er, or, ity, en, ify, ize, ate, ful, less, ous, hood, able, ible, ly, ward, wise. These suffixes can create new words or alter the original word's function. They create new words with different meanings or parts of speech.

Examples:

The happiness on her face can be seen.
Kindly adhere to the rules.
She plays with dolls for her.
She is a great teacher.

Rules and Structure of Suffixes in English Grammar

Doubling consonants, dropping the final "e," and changing "y" to "i" in some situations are some rules and considerations when adding suffixes. Let’s take a look at them in detail:

Rule/Structure	Explanation	Example
Doubling Consonants	If the root word has a short vowel and a single consonant, the consonant letter is doubled when the suffix is added.	Who is stopping you to go there?
Dropping the Final "e"	If a word ends in a silent "e" and the suffix starts with a vowel, the "e" is usually dropped.	I am hoping (hope+ing) the work gets done by tomorrow.
Changing "y" to "i"	If a word ends in a consonant followed by "y", the "y" may be changed to "i" before adding a suffix, particularly when the suffix starts with "i".	Her happiness when she eats chocolates knowns no boundaries!
Comparative and Superlative Adjectives	Suffixes like "-er" and "-est" are used to form comparative and superlative adjectives.	I am happier when it rains; She is happiest when she is with her dog.
Specialized Suffixes	Certain suffixes have specific functions, such as "-ology" to form nouns related to a field of study.	My favourite subject is Biology.
Vowel and Consonant Suffixes	Some suffixes are considered vowel suffixes that start with vowel (e.g., "-ing", "-ed") and others are consonant suffixes (e.g., "-ly", "-ness").	She is playing football; I am slowly getting a hang of this job.

Also Read: Prepositions Rules and Structure

Special Cases and Exceptions in English Suffixes

While the above rules majorly apply to all the words, there are few cases and exceptions that students need to follow while using prefixes in English language. These exceptions to the rules, requiring careful attention, practice and memorization.

Rule/Structure

Exception with Example

Doubling Consonants

· I swam (swim+ed=swam) in pool for two hours; She began (begin+ed) eating on her own.

· The letter 'x' is never doubled, such as words like mixing, mixed or boxer. For example, She loves mixing colours while drawing.

Dropping the Final "e"

This dish is more likeable (like+able) than the previous one; You should be careful (care+ful) while driving.

Changing "y" to "i"

She has been a city dweller (city+dweller) since childhood; The dog is very playful (play+ful).

Preparation Tips to Master Prefix in English Grammar

To effectively prepare and master the area of Suffix in English, students need to practice the topic on a regular basis. The more the practice, the clearer the concepts will be. Besides, clarity of the meanings of different Suffixes along with learning of rules are very important ways to master the area.

Let’s talk about these preparations tips in detail:

Identify and memorize common suffixes and their meanings. For example, -able (capable of) I am able to walk properly now; -less (without) She is clueless about the tragic development; -ful (full of) I am hopeful she will score well; -ness (state of being) This is sheer carelessness to forget your bag in school; -er (person who does something) She is one of the best teachers; and -ism (belief system) Hinduism is a very old religion.
Memorize the rules and exceptions (mentioned above the page) by heart. This will help students to use prefixes in written and spoken English, without mistakes.
Observation is the next key to mastery. Look for suffixes in the words you encounter while reading or listening to English.
Use online sources vastly available today to read, learn and understand about the topic.

Also Read: Precis Writing Tips in English Grammar

How To Identify Suffixes In English Sentences

Follow the following simple steps to identify Suffixes used in words in English language:

Look for letter or group of letters added to the end of a word that changes the word’s meaning or grammatical function.
Suffixes are not found in the middle or beginning of a word, but at the very end.
Remember the rules and use them to identify the suffixes. For example,
If the word is a plural noun, the suffix is likely -s or –es (There are so many cars in the parking)
If the word is a verb in the present progressive tense, the suffix is -ing. (I am eating my food right now)
If the word is an adjective or adverb ending in -ly, it's likely a suffix. (She walks too slowly)

Students can easily pick up the suffixes used in the sentences, if they follow the above mentioned rules and tricks.

Also Read: Active Passive Voice in English language

Suffixes in Spoken and Written English

Suffixes are commonly used in both spoken and written English. However, certain suffixes are more prevalent in one form or the other. Let’s take a look at the difference:

Spoken English

In spoken English, suffixes like -ing, -ed, -s (used in verb conjugations) are very common for forming different tenses and forms of verbs. For example, She is singing her favorite track; She cooked her own meal.
Suffixes like -ly (adverbs) and -ness (nouns) are also frequently used in spoken language. For example, She speaks very softly; Cleanliness is next to Godliness.

Written English

Written English uses a wider range of suffixes, including less common ones like -ation, -ism, -ence, -ance. For example, She uses online tools for language translation; Her performance has improved a lot
Written English may also use suffixes more formally, such as -ment, -ship, -hood. For example, The shipment has arrived; Brotherhood leads to peace.
In written form, suffixes are a part of formal and technical language where they are used to create more complex words.

Also Read: English Synonyms : Meaning and Exceptions

Common Errors to Avoid in Suffix in English Grammar

Students should avoid incorrect suffixes with numbers, for example 21th is incorrect but 21^st is correct, spelling errors in Suffixes used and misunderstanding of Suffix meaning, in order to keep the errors at bay. Let’s list down error areas in the Suffix area of English language, so that students can ignore them and use suffixes with accuracy.

Students generally use wrong suffixes with numbers like 1st, 2nd, 3^rd, among others. Make sure suffix with numbers are rightly used. For example, It is my 20^th birthday this month; Marie stood 2^nd in class this examinations.
Some words need a spelling change after the use of suffix. If not done, it leads to errors. For example, She is a beautiful (beauty+ful) girl; The heaviness (heavy+ness) of the blanket made her feel warm.
Using a suffix inappropriately or without understanding its meaning or the right context, also results in mistakes. Talking about such a case, using "-able" or "-ible" when they don't fit the word's meaning. For example, The letters on the hoarding are unreadable (incorrect); The letters on the hoarding are difficult to read (correct).
Ensuring the verb agrees with the subject in number, in singular and plural context, to avoid errors.

For example-:

She reads the lesson well in the class.
The students have come late in the class.

Best Books to Study Suffix in English Grammar

Here’s a list of books students can consider to study about Suffixes in English language. The books are bestsellers and help in better understanding of the topic in a fun and interesting way.

Book	Details
Wren & Martin's High School English Grammar and Composition Book	This classic text book provides a solid foundation in grammar, including word formation and suffixes.
Dictionary of Prefixes and Suffixes: Useful English Affixes	This book is specifically focused on suffixes and prefixes, providing a comprehensive guide to the topic.
Oxford Modern English Grammar	This book offers a detailed look at English grammar, including a discussion of suffixes and their role in word meaning.

Understanding suffixes is key to expanding vocabulary and improving writing accuracy. Suffixes can transform a word's grammatical category and alter its meaning. Learning suffixes helps build a wider vocabulary, allowing students to have more precise and impressive communication and written skills. Suffixes are essential for understanding how words are formed and how they relate to each other.

Practice Questions on English Suffix

Exercise 1

Q: Write the new spelling of the word after adding the suffix to it:

1. Sit + ing =_____

2. Hot + er = ______

3. Fun + y=_______

4. Tap + ed =________

5. Snap + ed=_______

Answers:

Sitting
Hotter
Funny
Tapped
Snapped

Exercise 2

Q: Fill in the blanks:

Suffix is a letter or group of letters added _____ of the word.
Suffix alters the _____ of the word.
The letter X is never _____ in English grammar.
She ____ across the river quite easily.
If the root word has a short vowel and a single consonant, the consonant letter is ______ , when the suffix is added.

Answers: