KS3 Learning Resource: Understanding English Suffixes

English Quiz - Suffixes 02 (Questions)

Suffixes can shift meaning and word class. Learn when to use -able or -ible so your writing stays accurate, flexible, and clear.

Explore the Topic →

(quiz starts below)

Fascinating Fact:

Suffix able or ible shows possibility, washable shoes survive rain, audible music carries 20 metres down the hall.

In KS3 English, you study how suffixes change words. The endings -able and -ible often mean “capable of.” Choosing the right one improves clarity, spelling accuracy, and formal style in your writing. Examples include leaf → leaves and roof → roofs.

Key Terms

Suffix: Letters added to the end of a word to change its meaning or word class, such as -able.
Adjective: A word that describes a noun, for example washable or audible.
Root word: The base form to which endings are added, for example comfort in comfortable, or roof → roofs.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

What is the difference between -able and -ible?

Both mean “capable of.” A common guide is: if the base is a complete English word, use -able (comfort → comfortable); if not, -ible is more likely (poss → possible).

How can I decide which suffix to use in KS3 English?

Check the root and a dictionary. Try the pattern: whole root plus -able (rely → reliable), while many Latin-based roots take -ible (credible, visible).

Do -able and -ible words form adverbs with -ly?

Yes. Many become adverbs by adding -ly, for example reliable → reliably, possible → possibly.

Try These Related Quizzes

Choose the correct suffix for the following word.
Grate.......

[ ]	.......ful
[ ]	.......ly
[ ]	.......ment
[ ]	.......ship

Choose the correct suffix for the following word.
Doubt.......

[ ]	.......age
[ ]	.......dom
[ ]	.......ful
[ ]	.......ment

Choose the correct suffix for the following word.
King.......

[ ]	.......age
[ ]	.......dom
[ ]	.......ence
[ ]	.......ment

Choose the correct suffix for the following word.
Kind.......

[ ]	.......ful
[ ]	.......hood
[ ]	.......ness
[ ]	.......ship

Choose the correct suffix for the following word.
Wonder.......

[ ]	.......age
[ ]	.......ence
[ ]	.......ful
[ ]	.......ship

Choose the correct suffix for the following word.
Blame.......

[ ]	.......hood
[ ]	.......ible
[ ]	.......less
[ ]	.......ment

Choose the correct suffix for the following word.
Garden.......

[ ]	.......ence
[ ]	.......er
[ ]	.......ment
[ ]	.......ship

Choose the correct suffix for the following word.
Reflect.......

[ ]	.......age
[ ]	.......ence
[ ]	.......ment
[ ]	.......or

Choose the correct suffix for the following word.
Occur.......

[ ]	.......ant
[ ]	.......rence
[ ]	.......ment
[ ]	.......ship

10.

Choose the correct suffix for the following word.
Depend.......

[ ]	.......ence
[ ]	.......ful
[ ]	.......ly
[ ]	.......ship

English Quiz - Suffixes 02 (Answers)

Choose the correct suffix for the following word.
Grate.......

[x]	.......ful
[ ]	.......ly
[ ]	.......ment
[ ]	.......ship

"Grateful" is an adjective; adding a second suffix creates the adverb, "gratefully"

Choose the correct suffix for the following word.
Doubt.......

[ ]	.......age
[ ]	.......dom
[x]	.......ful
[ ]	.......ment

"Doubtful" can be thought of as "full of doubt"

Choose the correct suffix for the following word.
King.......

[ ]	.......age
[x]	.......dom
[ ]	.......ence
[ ]	.......ment

"Kingdom" remains a noun like its base word, "king"

Choose the correct suffix for the following word.
Kind.......

[ ]	.......ful
[ ]	.......hood
[x]	.......ness
[ ]	.......ship

"Kindness" is a noun, whereas "kind" can be a noun or adjective

Choose the correct suffix for the following word.
Wonder.......

[ ]	.......age
[ ]	.......ence
[x]	.......ful
[ ]	.......ship

New words are created in English all the time. Can you imagine what "wonderage" or "wondership" might mean if they became real words?

Choose the correct suffix for the following word.
Blame.......

[ ]	.......hood
[ ]	.......ible
[x]	.......less
[ ]	.......ment

"Blameless" means "without blame", i.e. "undeserving of blame"

Choose the correct suffix for the following word.
Garden.......

[ ]	.......ence
[x]	.......er
[ ]	.......ment
[ ]	.......ship

"Gardener" remains a noun like its base word, "garden"

Choose the correct suffix for the following word.
Reflect.......

[ ]	.......age
[ ]	.......ence
[ ]	.......ment
[x]	.......or

"Reflector" is one of those words which takes an -or suffix, rather than the more typical -er