Suffixes beginning with consonants do not often cause spelling problems: usually you tack them on to the end of a word without altering it: sincere + ly = sincerely
Exception: words ending in le change the le to ly: able/ably, subtle/subtly
Other exceptions: fully, truly, duly, wholly, argument
Common consonant suffixes are: ful, ness, ment, some, tion, sion, ly
Some useful hints about correct English and tips on literary analysis by Barbara Daniels (Doc Barbara) an ex-teacher with an Oxford M.A. in English Language and Literature and a London Ph. D
Single inverted commas
Although it is usual to enclose a word under discussion in single inverted commas, I have chosen instead to emphasise it in red to prevent confusion with apostrophes.
These posts are always short and clear so that they can be read easily on a mobile if you follow by email (the red may not show, however!) This is completely free.
These posts are always short and clear so that they can be read easily on a mobile if you follow by email (the red may not show, however!) This is completely free.
Friday, 26 July 2013
Friday, 19 July 2013
Compliment and Complement
Both these can be used as nouns or verbs.
Compliment is the more common. It means to praise someone: He complimented her on her writing.
Complement means to add on and improve: The belt complemented her outfit. To remember the spelling, think of the word complete.
Compliment is the more common. It means to praise someone: He complimented her on her writing.
Complement means to add on and improve: The belt complemented her outfit. To remember the spelling, think of the word complete.
Wednesday, 10 July 2013
Prefixes
Prefixes are syllables which add on to the start of a word to change its meaning.
Usually you tack them on without any alteration: dis + appear = disappear
Keep any double letters that result: dis + satisfaction = dissatisfaction
Common prefixes are: dis, un, mis, re, al (not all), pre, bi, semi, tri, ex, inter, post, trans
Some prefixes change their first letter to make the words easier to pronounce:
in + legal + illegal in + mature = immature sub + fix = suffix
Usually you tack them on without any alteration: dis + appear = disappear
Keep any double letters that result: dis + satisfaction = dissatisfaction
Common prefixes are: dis, un, mis, re, al (not all), pre, bi, semi, tri, ex, inter, post, trans
Some prefixes change their first letter to make the words easier to pronounce:
in + legal + illegal in + mature = immature sub + fix = suffix
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