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Discover 100 Common Suffix Words with Examples and Worksheets

Wondering how Suffix Words can make learning English easier? Suffixes are a group of letters which can help you understand new words, spell better, and understand the subtle nuances of the English language. But did you know that understanding how suffixes work can help you not only avoid common grammar mistakes but even help you speak or write in English more clearly? With our blog below, you will discover a suffix words list with examples and a worksheet for you to practice and build your vocabulary!

Discover what are suffix words with definitions, examples, and worksheets with Gradding.com

Table of Contents

What are Suffix Words?

Suffix Words are letters or a group of letters, like -er, -ing, or -ly, which we add at the end of a base word to modify its meaning or change its grammatical function. In addition to this, adding a suffix to a word can also create a new word. For example, if we add -er to the word teach, it creates “teacher”, which is used for someone who teaches.

Did you know that understanding different suffix words in English can help you figure out the meaning of new words, how to change a word's part of speech (noun, verb, adjective, adverb), and even improve your language proficiency? Let us take a look at some suffix definitions before we talk about their types.

Definition of a Suffix

The Cambridge Dictionary defines Suffix Words as “A suffix is a letter or group of letters added at the end of a word which makes a new word.” Whereas Merriam-Webster describes it as “An affix occurring at the end of a word, base, or phrase.”

Also Read: Degree of Comparison

Types of Suffixes

Suffix words are generally divided into two main types. This is mainly based on whether they are modifying the base word’s grammatical function or its meaning. These two types are inflectional suffixes and derivational suffixes.

Derivational Suffixes

These types of suffixes change the meaning of the base word or its part of speech and are used to create a new word. In addition to this, these suffix words in English also change a word from a noun to a verb, an adjective to an adverb, etc.

For Example:

  • "-ness" (noun): Kind (adjective) becomes kindness (noun)
  • "-ly" (adverb): Slow (adjective) becomes slowly (adverb)
  • "-ment" (noun): Develop (verb) becomes development (noun)
  • "-er" (noun): Paint (verb) becomes painter (noun)
  • "-able" (adjective): Read (verb) becomes readable (adjective)

Inflectional Suffixes

We use inflectional Suffixes to alter or change the grammatical form of a word and to show features like tense, number, or case. However, do keep in mind that, unlike derivational suffixes, they do not change the core meaning of a word.

For Example:

  • “-s" (plural): "Dog" becomes "dogs"
  • "-'s" (possessive): "Sarah" becomes "Sarah's"
  • "-ing" (continuous aspect): "Cook" becomes "cooking"
  • "-ed" (past tense): "Laugh" becomes "laughed"

Also Read: Vowel Words

When to Use a Suffix

Now that we have talked about what are suffixes, their definition, and their types. Let us take a look at when we can use these suffix words in English effectively:

  1. Verb Conjugation: The suffixes are mainly used when we conjugate regular verbs. For example, we add -s, or -es to a verb to show if the base verb is singular, in the third person, and is in the present tense.
  2. To Create Plural Nouns: We can also use suffixes to create plural nouns by adding –s. However, you just have to keep in mind the irregular plural nouns which have unique spellings.
  3. To Show Possession: You can add suffixes like –‘s to show possession. For example, Tina’s parents.
  4. Comparatives and Superlatives: To compare two things, we use Suffix Words like –er (stronger). Similarly, to show a high degree of something, we use suffixes like –est (strongest).
  5. When Changing Word Types: Lastly, suffixes are also used to show parts of speech and change the type of the base word. For example, adding –ness, or –en to “quick” (adjective) to make “quickness” and “quicken.”

List of Category-Wise Suffix Words

Below is a list of 100 suffix words which we have categorised based on the 10 most commonly used suffixes in English. This suffix words list can help you understand new words and improve your language proficiency:

1. -Sion Suffix Words

We use the suffix –sion to form nouns from verbs and use them to show action, state, or process.

Base WordWord + Suffix (-sion)Example
DecideDecisionShe made a quick decision to join the team.
ExpandExpansionThe company announced its expansion plans.
DiscussDiscussionWe had a long discussion about the project.
ExplodeExplosionThe explosion was heard miles away.
ConfuseConfusionThere was some confusion about the schedule.
IncludeInclusionInclusion of all voices is important.
AdmitAdmissionHis admission surprised everyone.
CollideCollisionThe collision caused a traffic jam.
DivertDiversionThere was a diversion due to road construction.
ConcludeConclusionIn conclusion, the study supports the theory.

2. -tion Suffix Words

We use -tion suffix words to show action, state, or result, and they are generally used to transform verbs into nouns.

Base WordWord + Suffix (-tion)Examples
CreateCreationThe creation of the mural took weeks.
InformInformationThe information was very helpful.
InventInventionHis latest invention won an award.
RelaxRelaxationRelaxation is important for good health.
OperateOperationThe operation was successful.
CompeteCompetitionThe competition was intense this year.
EducateEducationEducation is the key to success.
CombineCombinationThe combination of flavours was perfect.
CelebrateCelebrationThe celebration lasted all night.
ObserveObservationCareful observation led to new discoveries.

3. -ness Suffix Words

The suffix –ness is used to transform an adjective into noun and describe a condition, state, or quality.

Base WordWord + Suffix (-ness)Examples
HappyHappinessHer happiness was obvious to everyone.
DarkDarknessThe darkness made it hard to see.
KindKindnessHis kindness touched many hearts.
WeakWeaknessIts weakness was a safety concern.
BrightBrightnessThe brightness hurt my eyes.
SadSadnessThe sadness lingered for days.
SoftSoftnessThe softness made it comfortable to sleep on.
ColdColdnessThe coldness of the water shocked me.
LoudLoudnessThe loudness disturbed the neighbors.
FairFairnessFairness is important in the courtroom.

4. -less Suffix Words

We add the suffix –less to a noun or verb to form adjectives and show the lack or absence of something.

Base WordWord + Suffix (-less)Examples
HopeHopelessWithout a plan, the situation feels hopeless.
CareCarelessBeing careless can cause accidents.
FearFearlessThe fearless firefighter saved the kitten.
UseUselessThe broken tool is useless now.
HelpHelplessHe felt helpless during the storm.
PowerPowerlessDuring the blackout, we were powerless.
ThoughtThoughtlessHis thoughtless comment upset her.
EndEndlessThe road seemed endless in the desert.
RestRestlessShe felt restless and couldn’t sit still.
FearFearlessThe fearless explorer climbed the mountain.

5. -ful Suffix Words

The suffix -ful is added at the end of a word to show either abundance and the presence of the quality of the root word.

Base WordWord + Suffix (-ful)Examples
CareCarefulShe is always careful with her work.
HopeHopefulHe felt hopeful about the exam results.
JoyJoyfulThe joyful celebration lasted all day.
HelpHelpfulYour advice was very helpful.
FearFearfulThe fearful dog hid under the bed.
UseUsefulThis tool is very useful for gardening.
ThoughtThoughtfulThat was a very thoughtful gift.
PowerPowerfulShe is a powerful speaker.
BeautyBeautifulThe garden looks beautiful in spring.
PlayPlayfulThe playful kitten chased the yarn ball.

6. -ly Suffix Words

The suffix –ly turns an adjective into an adverb to show how an action is performed.

Base WordWord + Suffix (-ly)Examples
QuickQuicklyShe finished her work quickly.
HappyHappilyShe smiled happily.
SlowSlowlyIt moved slowly through the fog.
LoudLoudlyHe spoke loudly during the meeting.
SoftSoftlyShe whispered softly to the baby.
BraveBravelyHe fought bravely in the battle.
QuietQuietlyShe entered the room quietly.
HonestHonestlyHonestly, I didn’t see anything.
EasyEasilyShe passed the exam easily.
AngryAngrilyShe shouted angrily.

7. -er suffix words

The suffix word –er is used in several ways, but is primarily used to for someone who does something. However, depending on the context, -er can have more than one meaning.

Base WordWord + Suffix (-er)Examples
TeachTeacherThe teacher explained the topic well.
BakeBakerThe baker made fresh bread this morning.
RunRunnerShe is a fast runner.
PaintPainterThe painter used bright colors.
DriveDriverThe driver was very careful on the road.
FarmFarmerThe farmer works from sunrise to sunset.
SingSingerThe singer performed beautifully.
BuildBuilderThe builder finished the project early.
WorkWorkerThe worker repaired the machine.
DanceDancerThe dancer moved gracefully across the stage.

8. -al Suffix Words

The suffix word -al is used to show a connection or relationship to the original noun in a sentence.

Base WordWord + Suffix (-al)Examples
NationNationalThe national holiday is next week.
RegionRegionalThe regional manager visited our office.
MusicMusicalWe went to a musical last night.
AccidentAccidentalIt was an accidental mistake.
CultureCulturalThe festival has many cultural events.
PersonPersonalHe shared his personal story.
HistoryHistoricalWe visited a historical museum.
NatureNaturalThis is a natural remedy for cold.
PracticePracticalShe gave practical advice.
CenterCentralThis is a central issue for the team.

9. -ist Suffix Words

-ist is used to create nouns and usually indicates a person who practices, specializes in, or is associated with a particular field, belief, or activity.

Base WordWord + Suffix (-ist)Examples
ArtArtistThe artist painted a beautiful portrait.
ScienceScientistThe scientist made a new discovery.
BiologyBiologistThe biologist studied the ecosystem.
GuitarGuitaristThe guitarist performed at the concert.
PsychologyPsychologistThe psychologist helped the patient.
TourismTouristThe tourist took many photos.
OptimismOptimistShe is an optimist who always sees the bright side.
RealismRealistHe is a realist when it comes to business.
JournalismJournalistThe journalist wrote an interesting article.
MotorMotoristThe motorist followed the traffic rules carefully.

Suffix Words Worksheet with Answers

Above are 100 suffix words based on the 10 most commonly used suffixes in the English language. Now, let’s test your knowledge with a few suffix exercises.

Part 1: Fill in the blanks with a word formed by adding a suffix (-ful, -ly, -er, -al, -ist)

  1. She gave me a _________ answer that helped solve the problem.
  2. The _________ works in a hospital and helps patients.
  3. He runs very _________ and often wins races.
  4. That was a _________ mistake, but you learned from it.
  5. The city centre is a _________ place for tourists.
  6. The _________ showed us how to paint the fence.
  7. I was _________ surprised by the unexpected gift.
  8. A(n) _________ studies plants and animals in nature.
  9. Please be _________ during the movie so others can enjoy it.
  10. The storm was very _________ and knocked down trees.

Answer key:

  1. careful
  2. happily
  3. painter
  4. national
  5. artist
  6. runner
  7. softly
  8. hopeful
  9. powerful
  10. quietly

Part 2: Choose the correct suffix form to complete the sentence

  1. She is a great (teach/teacher) who helps her students learn.
  2. They arrived (quick/quickly) to the meeting on time.
  3. The (art/artist) displayed her paintings at the gallery.
  4. The dog barked (loud/loudly) at the stranger.
  5. It was a (hope/hopeful) day for everyone at the competition.

Answer key:

  1. teacher
  2. quickly
  3. artist
  4. loudly
  5. hopeful

Conclusion

In conclusion, suffixes might look like small additions to words but they play a big role in how we understand, spell, and use English correctly. By learning common suffix words with the help of our blog above, you can easily expand your vocabulary, avoid grammar mistakes, and build better sentence structure. And if you need any help with prefix and suffix words, you can connect with our experts at Gradding, who will help you to take your English to the next level!

Also Read: Synonyms

FAQs

What are Suffix Words in English?

In English, suffix words are letters or a group of letters that we add at the end of a word to modify its meaning or create a new word. For example, adding “-ing” to the garden becomes gardening. Additionally, suffixes also help in changing the grammatical function of the word and its part of speech.

What are 10 Examples of Suffixes?

The ten common examples of suffixes are -ing, -ed, -ly, -ful, -less, -able, -ness, -ment, -er, and –est. Which when added to a word, changes the function of the base word or modifies it.

What are 20 Suffix Examples?

The 20 suffix examples are –able, -al, -en, -er, -est, -ful, -ish, -ion, -ism, -ist, -ity, -ive, -less, -ly, -ment, -ness, -or, -ship, -th, and –y.

How do You Know If a Word is a Suffix?

To know if a word is a suffix or not, you can look for word parts which are attached at the end of a base word and that cannot stand alone. Additionally, you can also look for letters which are modifying the meaning or grammatical role of words. Above are 100 suffix words based on the 10 most commonly used suffixes in the English language. Now, let’s test your knowledge with a few suffix exercises.

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