1. Understand what a suffix is:
* A suffix is a word part added to the end of a base word (also called a root word) to change its meaning or grammatical function.
* Examples: "-ing" (walking), "-ly" (quickly), "-ness" (happiness), "-er" (teacher)
2. Identify the base word:
* Start by figuring out the core meaning of the word. This is your base word.
* For example, in "happily," the base word is "happy."
3. The suffix is what's left:
* Once you've identified the base word, the remaining part of the word is the suffix.
* In "happily," the suffix is "-ly."
Here are some additional tips:
* Common Suffixes: Familiarize yourself with common suffixes, such as "-ed," "-ing," "-er," "-est," "-ly," "-ness," "-ment," "-tion," "-able," "-ible."
* Consider the word's function: Suffixes can often indicate the word's part of speech. For example, "-ly" often indicates an adverb, while "-ment" often indicates a noun.
* Look for changes in meaning: Suffixes can add new shades of meaning to the base word. For example, "happy" means experiencing joy, but "happily" describes how someone acts when they are happy.
Example:
Word: "Beautifully"
1. Base Word: "Beautiful"
2. Suffix: "-ly"
Let me know if you'd like to practice with some more examples!