Suffixes 1

We can add suffixes to the end of words. Usually this changes the part of speech (for example, from a
verb to an adjective) but sometimes it changes the meaning.

-ness (changes the word to a noun)

• happiness
• goodness

-ment (changes the word to a noun)

• excitement
• achievement

-tion / -sion (changes the word to a noun)

• education
• production
• complication
• pollution

-ity (changes the word to a noun)

• equality
• flexibility
Let's review! Change the word to a noun so that it fits in the space.

1. They are campaigning for _________________________. (equal)

2. She could hardly stand the _________________________. (excite)

3. He is interested in _________________________. (educate)

4. _________________________ is more important than status. (happy)

5. Is there a lot of _________________________ in your city? (pollute)

6. We have another _________________________ that we need to find a solution for.

(complicate)

7. What an _________________________! You must be really proud. (achieve)

8. I'm looking for a job with a lot of _________________________. (flexible)

9. We design the clothes in Switzerland and the _________________________ happens in

Germany. (produce)

10. I think _________________________ and kindness are very important. (good)

Answers

1. They are campaigning for equality.

2. She could hardly stand the excitement.
3. He is interested in education.
4. Happiness is more important than status.
5. Is there a lot of pollution in your city?
6. We have another complication that we need to find a solution for.
7. What an achievement! You must be really proud.
8. I'm looking for a job with a lot of flexibility.
9. We design the clothes in Switzerland and the production happens in Germany.
10. I think goodness and kindness are very important.