When do you need to drop the final e before adding a suffix?

You need to drop the final "e" before adding a suffix only if the suffix begins with a vowel and the final "e" is silent.

Here's a breakdown:

1. Silent "e" at the end of a word:

* Example: "hope" - the "e" is silent.

2. Suffix beginning with a vowel:

* Example: "-ing," "-able," "-ed," "-er," "-ous"

When to drop the "e":

* hope + ing = hoping

* hope + able = hopeable

* hope + ed = hoped

* hope + er = hoper

* hope + ous = hopeful

When to keep the "e":

* If the suffix begins with a consonant, keep the final "e".

* Example: "hope + ful = hopeful"

* Example: "hope + less = hopeless"

Exceptions:

* Words ending in "ce" or "ge" before adding "-able" or "-ous" keep the "e".

* Example: "notice + able = noticeable"

* Example: "courage + ous = courageous"

* If the final "e" is pronounced, keep the "e".

* Example: "shoe + ing = shoeing"

In summary:

* Drop the silent "e" if the suffix begins with a vowel.

* Keep the silent "e" if the suffix begins with a consonant.

* Follow the exceptions for "ce" and "ge" words and words with a pronounced "e".