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What is the rule for applying suffixes to words ending in y when preceded by consonant?

Here's the rule for applying suffixes to words ending in "y" preceded by a consonant:

If the word ends in "y" preceded by a consonant, change the "y" to "i" before adding any suffix except "ing" and "es".

Examples:

* happy + -ness = happiness (The "y" changes to "i" before adding "-ness")

* cry + -ed = cried (The "y" changes to "i" before adding "-ed")

* try + -ing = trying (The "y" remains the same when adding "-ing")

* fly + -es = flies (The "y" remains the same when adding "-es")

Exceptions:

* Some words retain the "y" before adding suffixes like "-ing" and "-es" if the word is a proper noun or if the "y" is preceded by a vowel.

* baby + -ing = babying

* monkey + -es = monkeys

* boy + -s = boys

Important Note: This rule only applies to words ending in "y" preceded by a consonant. If the "y" is preceded by a vowel, the "y" remains the same when adding suffixes.

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