When do you drop the final and ndashe from a root word?

It seems like you're asking about dropping the "nd" from root words when forming new words. This is a common phenomenon in English, but there isn't a single, hard-and-fast rule. Here's a breakdown of the common patterns and why they happen:

Common Scenarios:

* Suffixes starting with vowels: When adding a suffix that begins with a vowel (like "-ing", "-able", "-er", "-est"), the final "d" is often dropped.

* Suffixes starting with "l" or "r": Sometimes, the final "d" is dropped before suffixes starting with "l" or "r" (like "-less", "-ful").

* Suffixes starting with consonants: Generally, the final "d" is kept when the suffix starts with a consonant.

* Historical Reasons: Some word formations have historical roots, meaning the "nd" was dropped simply due to sound changes over time.

Examples:

* Friend + -ly -> Friendly

* Land + -ing -> Landing

* Send + -er -> Sender

* Hand + -ful -> Handful

* Round + -ness -> Roundness

* Kind + -ly -> Kindly (The "d" is kept because it's not followed by a vowel)

Key Points:

* Consistency isn't always guaranteed: While there are common patterns, there are exceptions.

* Dictionaries are your friend: If you're unsure, always refer to a dictionary to confirm the correct spelling.

Remember: Learning the rules of English spelling can be tricky, but it's important to know the common patterns and exceptions to improve your writing.