1. Noun Suffixes: These suffixes turn words into nouns.
* -er, -or, -ist, -ian: denote people (teacher, actor, artist, librarian)
* -ment, -tion, -ity, -ness: denote states or qualities (movement, education, sanity, happiness)
* -ship, -hood, -dom: denote states or conditions (friendship, childhood, freedom)
* -age, -ance, -ence: denote actions or processes (marriage, performance, dependence)
2. Verb Suffixes: These suffixes turn words into verbs.
* -en, -ify, -ize: denote making something (strengthen, beautify, organize)
* -ate: denote a specific action (activate, graduate)
3. Adjective Suffixes: These suffixes turn words into adjectives.
* -able, -ible: denote capability (breakable, edible)
* -ful, -less: denote fullness or lack of something (helpful, hopeless)
* -al, -ical, -ous, -ive: denote qualities or characteristics (practical, historical, dangerous, creative)
* -y, -ish: denote a degree or resemblance (sleepy, childish)
4. Adverb Suffixes: These suffixes turn words into adverbs.
* -ly: denotes manner (quickly, slowly)
* -wise: denotes manner or direction (clockwise, otherwise)
* -ward(s): denotes direction (forward, backwards)
5. Other Suffixes:
* -ing: denotes ongoing action (swimming, playing)
* -ed: denotes past tense (played, walked)
* -s: denotes plural (books, cats)
* -es: denotes plural (boxes, churches)
* -'s: denotes possession (John's book)
Important Note: Some suffixes can have multiple functions. For example, the suffix "-er" can denote a person (teacher), a thing (cutter), or a state (better).
This is not an exhaustive list, but it covers the most common types of suffixes. Understanding how suffixes work can help you expand your vocabulary, understand grammar, and improve your writing.