The Silent "e" is Dropped Before a Suffix Beginning with a Consonant
This rule is about dropping the silent "e" at the end of a word before adding a suffix beginning with a consonant. Here are some examples:
* Hope + ful = hopeful
* Use + less = useless
* Care + ful = careful
Exceptions to the Rule
There are a few exceptions where the silent "e" is kept:
* When the suffix begins with "y":
* True + ly = truly
* Whole + ly = wholly
* Words ending in "ce" or "ge" before a suffix beginning with "a" or "o":
* Notice + able = noticeable
* Courage + ous = courageous
The Key Point:
The main rule is that you drop the silent "e" before a consonant suffix. Remember to look for exceptions, especially when the suffix starts with "y" or the word ends in "ce" or "ge".