Here's a breakdown:
* Word Part: Suffixes are not complete words themselves, but rather small units that attach to other words.
* Added to the End: This is key; suffixes always go at the end of a base word.
* Change Meaning or Function: Suffixes can create new words with different meanings, or they can change the grammatical role of the word.
Examples:
* -ness: This suffix creates nouns, often from adjectives. Example: "happy" becomes "happiness."
* -er: This suffix creates nouns, often indicating a person or thing that does something. Example: "teach" becomes "teacher."
* -ing: This suffix creates verbs in the present participle form. Example: "walk" becomes "walking."
* -ly: This suffix creates adverbs, often from adjectives. Example: "quick" becomes "quickly."
Key points to remember:
* Suffixes are important for understanding word formation and grammar.
* Knowing common suffixes can help you decipher unfamiliar words.
* Suffixes can sometimes change the pronunciation of the base word.
Let me know if you have any more questions about suffixes or other aspects of language!