What are verb-forming suffixes?

Verb-forming suffixes are word parts that you add to the end of a word (usually a noun or adjective) to change it into a verb. They are a common way to create new verbs in English.

Here are some common verb-forming suffixes:

-ize/-ise

* modern (adjective) + ize = modernize (verb)

* special (adjective) + ize = specialize (verb)

* legal (adjective) + ize = legalize (verb)

-ify

* beautify (verb)

* clarify (verb)

* simplify (verb)

-en

* short (adjective) + en = shorten (verb)

* strong (adjective) + en = strengthen (verb)

* soft (adjective) + en = soften (verb)

-ate

* activate (verb)

* graduate (verb)

* validate (verb)

-ing (Present participle)

* walk (verb) + ing = walking (verb)

* swim (verb) + ing = swimming (verb)

* read (verb) + ing = reading (verb)

Other less common suffixes:

* -ize (e.g. hospitalize)

* -ize (e.g. burglarize)

* -ize (e.g. prioritize)

Note: Some suffixes can be used with different word classes. For instance, "-ize" can also be used to create nouns (e.g. "organize" -> "organization"). It's important to look at the context to determine how a suffix is being used.