English. Word formation. Suffixes ant, ent, ance, ence, ment. Adverbs with -ly

Introduction

This tutorial aims to help you understand word formation in English, focusing on suffixes that create adjectives, adverbs, and nouns. By learning how to use suffixes like -ant, -ent, -ance, -ence, -ment, and -ly, you can enrich your vocabulary and improve your writing and speaking skills. This guide is particularly useful for pre-intermediate learners looking to expand their understanding of English.

Step 1: Forming Adverbs from Adjectives with -ly

Adverbs often describe how an action is performed and can be formed by adding the suffix -ly to adjectives.

How to Form Adverbs

• Start with an adjective (e.g., quick).
• Add the suffix -ly (quick + ly = quickly).

Examples

• Happy → Happily
• Careful → Carefully
• Easy → Easily

Tip

Not all adjectives can easily convert to adverbs with -ly; ensure to check if the adjective has a corresponding adverb form.

Step 2: Understanding Irregular Adverbs

Some adverbs do not follow the standard rule of adding -ly.

Examples of Irregular Adverbs

• Good → Well
• Fast → Fast (same form for both adjective and adverb)

Practical Advice

When learning irregular adverbs, try to memorize them as they do not follow typical patterns.

Step 3: Forming Nouns from Verbs with -ence, -ance, -ant, and -ment

Nouns can be derived from verbs using the following suffixes:

Noun Formation

1. -ence: Add -ence to verbs.
   • Example: Depend → Dependence
2. -ance: Add -ance to verbs.
   • Example: Perform → Performance
3. -ant: Add -ant to verbs.
   • Example: Assist → Assistant
4. -ment: Add -ment to verbs.
   • Example: Develop → Development

Tip

Identify the base verb and ensure that the suffix aligns with the meaning of the word you intend to form.

Step 4: Forming Adjectives from Verbs with -ent and -ant

You can create adjectives from verbs by using the suffixes -ent and -ant.

Adjective Formation

1. -ent:
   • Example: Depend → Dependent
2. -ant:
   • Example: Perform → Performing

Practical Advice

Use these adjectives to describe nouns more precisely in your writing.

Step 5: Forming Adjectives from Nouns with -ent

You can also form adjectives from nouns using the suffix -ent.

How to Form Adjectives

• Start with a noun (e.g., student).
• Add the suffix -ent (student → student + ent = student).

Examples

• President → Presidential
• Resident → Residential

Tip

Make sure the adjectives you form make sense in context and convey the intended meaning.

Conclusion

In summary, understanding suffixes like -ly, -ance, -ence, -ant, and -ment can significantly enhance your ability to form new words in English. Practice regularly by identifying these suffixes in your reading and writing. As a next step, try creating sentences using new words you've formed and share them for feedback. Happy learning!