Common English suffixes for nouns, verbs and adjectives

Introduction

Understanding common English suffixes is crucial for TOEIC candidates as they frequently appear in the test. Suffixes are word endings that change the meaning or function of a word. Recognizing them can help you understand the role of a word in a sentence, which is particularly useful in the Reading and Listening sections of the TOEIC.

Explanation

• Noun Suffixes: These suffixes often indicate a person, place, thing, or idea.

  • -er/-or: Used to denote a person who performs an action. Example: manager (a person who manages).

  • -tion/-sion: Used to form nouns from verbs. Example: completion (the act of completing).

  • -ness: Used to form nouns that denote a state or quality. Example: happiness (the state of being happy).

• Verb Suffixes: These suffixes are used to form verbs.

  • -ize/-ise: Used to form verbs meaning to make or to become. Example: modernize (to make modern).

  • -en: Used to form verbs meaning to become or to cause to be. Example: strengthen (to make strong).

• Adjective Suffixes: These suffixes help form adjectives.

  • -able/-ible: Used to form adjectives meaning capable of being. Example: readable (capable of being read).

  • -ful: Used to form adjectives meaning full of. Example: hopeful (full of hope).

  • -less: Used to form adjectives meaning without. Example: careless (without care).

Common mistakes

• Confusing -er and -or for nouns: Remember, both are used for people who perform actions, but the choice often depends on the root word. Example: actor not act-er.

• Misusing -ize and -ise: In American English, use -ize. Example: realize not realise.

Tips for the TOEIC test

• Pay attention to suffixes in the Reading section to determine the part of speech. This can help you understand the sentence structure.

• In the Listening section, recognizing suffixes can help you predict the type of information that follows, aiding comprehension.

Mini practice

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the word in parentheses:

• The new software aims to _________ (modern) the company's operations.

• Her _________ (happy) was evident when she received the promotion.

• The report was very _________ (use), providing all the necessary details.