Add Suffixes to Make Verbs from Nouns and Adjectives

The suffixes -en and -ify can be used to change adjectives (describing words) into verbs (action or doing words).

tight + en = tighten

note + ify = notify   (the 'e' is dropped before the suffix is added)

The suffix -ise can also be used to change adjectives into verbs.

special + ise = specialise

public + ise = publicise   (the 'c' sounds like an 's' in the new word)

The suffix -ise can also change nouns (naming words) into verbs.

advert + ise = advertise

Nouns ending in 'y' drop the 'y' before the suffix is added.

memory + ise = memorise

harmony + ise = harmonise

Some people spell the -ise suffix -ize instead. This is normal in America but in Britain the -ise spelling is usually preferred.

In this activity, you can practise choosing the correct suffix to change nouns and adjectives into verbs.

You can use a dictionary to help you if you need to.