Here's a breakdown:
* Meaning: Suffixes can change the meaning of a word by adding a specific quality, action, or state. For example, the suffix "-ness" can turn the adjective "happy" into the noun "happiness," which describes the state of being happy.
* Grammatical Function: Suffixes can also change the grammatical function of a word. For example, the suffix "-ing" can turn a verb into a present participle, which can act as an adjective or a noun.
* Examples:
* -ness: happy + -ness = happiness
* -ly: quick + -ly = quickly
* -er: teach + -er = teacher
* -ing: run + -ing = running
Think of suffixes as little building blocks that you can attach to words to create new ones!