Word formation: adjectives

Word formation: adjectives

Let’s see some adjectives that are based on already existing nouns or
verbs:

Formation of adjectives based on nouns:

We add a suffix like “-y” or “-al” to the noun. Sometimes we have to

modify the noun:

cloud > cloudy

habit > habitual

sleep > sleepy

philosophy > philosophical

Other frequently used suffixes are “-less” and

“-ful”, which, added to the same noun, often have contrary meanings:

care > careless

use > useless

care > careful

use > useful

Formation of adjectives based on verbs:

We can also add a suffix to a verb. Two common examples of suffixes are “-
able” or “-ive”. Sometimes we have to modify the verb:

to adore > adorable

to react > reactive

to break > breakable

to imagine > imaginative

to receive > receptive

Word formation: nouns

Nouns are often formed from other "root" words. In this section we look at
how nouns are formed from adjectives and verbs:

Forming nouns from adjectives:

We add the suffixes “-ness” or “-ity” to the adjective:

Adjective Noun
 selfish selfishness
stupid stupidity
kind kindness
popular popularity
silly silliness
sincere sincerity
Other common suffixes include: “-ty”, “-ence/ance”, “-sm”, “-er”, “-
th”, etc. Sometimes there is a change in spelling when the noun is formed:
Adjective Noun
patient patience
distant distance
realistic realism
safe safety
angry anger
long length
Forming nouns from verbs:

We add the suffixes “-ment”, “-ion” or ”-tion” to the verb. Again,

sometimes there is a change in spelling:
Verb Noun
arrange arrangement
hesitate hesitation
develop development
organise organisation
treat treatment
pronounce pronunciation
permit permission
decide decision
suspect suspicion

Countable and uncountable nouns

Uncountable nouns are nouns which cannot be counted. We say:

One car, two cars, three cars etc. ("Car" is a countable noun)

BUT NOT One traffic, two traffics, three traffics. ("Traffic" is an uncountable
noun)
Learners of English often have problems with nouns; especially when a
countable noun in their native language is uncountable in English, and vice
versa:

He gave me some advice (NOT He gave me an advice.)

I have some news (NOT I have a new.)

This information is not detailed enough. (NOT This information aren't

detailed enough.)

Words ending in “-ics” are often uncountable:

I think physics is a difficult subject. (NOT I think physics are a difficult

subject.)

Most illnesses and diseases are uncountable:

He's got measles. He never had it as a child.

Some games are also uncountable:

I don’t like playing dominoes. It is a boring game.

Foods and liquids that are difficult to count are uncountable:

Rice, flour, sugar, water, etc.

Special plurals: binary & collective nouns

Binary nouns

Some nouns are always plural and have no singular form.

A pair of trousers. (NOT A trouser. OR A trousers.)

Pass me those scissors. (NOT Pass me that scissors.)

Collective nouns

Collective nouns refer to a group of people, animals, etc. They have the
singular form, but are used like plural nouns:

The police are investigating a murder case.

The clergy are opposed to abortion.

We had to stop as cattle were crossing.