BGC SenegalActivating one’s knowledge⢠of English suffixes is an empowering way to expand a person’sâ natural word âbank. âAs we all know, the English language is ever-evolvingâ and growing, and our ability to âproperly use suffixes can help us â˘sound more polished and competent â˘when we communicate.
A⤠suffix⢠is a letter or group of âŁletters added to theâ end of âa word âto alter or qualify âits meaning. â¤There are⤠many suffixes â˘in the English language, some of which create a new⣠word with âŁan entirely differentâ meaning. The⢠most âcommonly used suffixes âare â-sâ, â-esâ, â-edâ, â-erâ, â-ingâ, and â-lyâ.
For instance, take⣠the word ââhappyâ. By⢠adding â-erâ to the end ofâ the word, âwe ânow⤠have âhappierâ, â¤a word âŁwith a much more descriptive and vivid meaning.â Adding â-lyâ to the end âof the word âcreates âhappilyâ, which conveys the âidea of something being done with feelings of joy or delight. Finally, adding â-nessâ â¤to the end⣠of the⤠word makes âhappinessâ, the noun form of the⣠adjectiveâ âhappyâ.
By using suffixes, we can take âŁa single word⣠and create several otherâ words which are completely distinct. This⢠is âŁan âimpressiveâ way to â˘illustrate âŁour fluency with the âŁlanguage and bolster our vocabulary. âSo why not⣠open up a⢠newâ world â˘of possibilitiesâ by actively utilizing this⢠linguistic tool? With just âa few simple â˘suffixes, you can expand âyour lexicon in no time! Improve Your Vocabulary With â¤Suffixes
Learning English can be a âŁchallenging task, especially when it comes to expanding your vocabulary. âHowever, with the help of suffixes, you can easily enhance your⤠word bank and communicate more â˘effectively in English.
Suffixes are letters or groups of letters that are added⤠to the end of a base word to formâ aâ new word. They changeâ the meaning or grammatical function of the word and can be used to⣠create nouns, adjectives, adverbs, or verbs.
Here are some common suffixesâ and how they can help you improve your vocabulary:
1. -able/-ible:â This suffix is â¤used to form â¤adjectives that âsuggest⤠the abilityâ to do or undergo aâ certain⤠action. For example, adding “able” to the âbase word “read” creates the word “readable,” meaning easily readable or understandable.
2. -ous/-ious: By adding âthese suffixes, youâ can⢠create adjectives thatâ describe qualities or âcharacteristics. For instance, adding “ous” toâ the base word “courage”⢠gives us⢠“courageous,” meaning having or showing courage.
3. -ing: This suffix⣠is commonly added to verbs to form âpresent âparticiples. It⢠can also âŁbe used as an adjective or part of a gerund (a verb form that functions as âaâ noun). For example, adding “ing” to the base word “run” creates “running,” âwhich â˘can beâ used as a verb (I am running), adjective (She isâ aâ running⢠enthusiast), or noun (Running is good for your health).
4.⤠-ly:â Thisâ versatile suffix⣠turns adjectives into adverbs, helping you express⤠how âan actionâ is performed. For instance, by adding “ly” to the adjective “quick,” we get the adverb “quickly,” indicating a fast or speedy manner.
5. -ize/-ise: This â¤suffix⢠is used to âŁformâ verbs, especially â¤from nouns or adjectives. For example, âadding ⤔ize” to the⣠nounâ “apology” creates âthe⤠verb “apologize,” âmeaning to âexpressâ regret â¤or say sorry.
Byâ understanding and utilizing these suffixes, you can expand your English vocabulary significantly. Here â˘are⣠a fewâ ways to practice using suffixes:
1. Reading: â¤Read extensively in English, focusing on texts related to your â¤interests or professional field. Keepâ a vocabulary journal and âhighlight words â˘with suffixes that you don’t know. Look⤠upâ theirâ meanings and use them âin⤠sentences to reinforceâ your⣠learning.
2. Word Games: Engage inâ word games like crosswordâ puzzles, word âsearches, âor⣠Scrabble to actively challenge yourself â˘and⤠expose yourself to various words with suffixes.
3. Practice Exercises: Find online resources âŁor consult English grammar âbooks that⢠offer suffix exercises. Completing â˘these exercises will help âyou internalize the rules and patterns âŁassociated with âsuffixes.
4. Writing: Incorporate ânewly learned words into âyour writing to reinforce yourâ understanding and usage. â¤Pay attention to the context â˘in which words with suffixes are used, as thisâ will â˘help you⣠grasp their meanings and nuances.
Remember, expanding your vocabulary takes time and â˘consistent⣠effort. By understanding and utilizing âsuffixes, you can unlock a whole ânew world of words âŁand improve⢠yourâ overall English language skills. â¤So,⤠start exploringâ the world of⤠suffixes and â¤watch your vocabulary soar!
In âsummary, utilizing suffixes is â¤an exciting and effective â¤way to⢠expand âyour lexicon and improve your vocabulary. With theâ knowledge â¤of basic â˘suffixes, you can apply this newfound â˘skill in â¤your own language and open the door to new words and meanings. The more you challenge âyourself in âyour⣠daily usage, the bigger the rewards in broadening your linguistic â¤abilities. Start expanding your lexiconâ today!