Here's a breakdown:
The Rule:
* When a word ends in a silent "e" and a suffix beginning with a consonant is added, the "e" is usually dropped:
* Example: "hope" + "-ful" = "hopeful"
* However, the "e" is kept if the suffix begins with a vowel:
* Example: "hope" + "-ing" = "hoping"
Words that Drop the "e"
Here are some common words that drop the "e" before adding a suffix:
* -ing:
* hope + ing = hoping
* write + ing = writing
* love + ing = loving
* take + ing = taking
* -ed:
* hope + ed = hoped
* write + ed = wrote
* love + ed = loved
* take + ed = took
* -er:
* hope + er = hoper
* write + er = writer
* love + er = lover
* take + er = taker
* -est:
* hope + est = hopest
* write + est = writest
* love + est = lovest
* take + est = takest
* -ly:
* hope + ly = hopefully
* write + ly = writely
* love + ly = lovely
* take + ly = takely
Exceptions:
* "y" is treated as a vowel in suffixes:
* Example: "happy" + "-ly" = "happily"
* "c" and "g" sometimes keep their "e" to preserve their soft sounds:
* Example: "notice" + "-able" = "noticeable"
* Some words have exceptions to the rules, so it's best to check a dictionary:
* Example: "truly" (not "truley")
Remember: While these rules are helpful, there are exceptions. Always double-check with a dictionary if you're unsure.