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.