English Language Arts
Grade 10
15 min
Words with -able and -ible
Words with -able and -ible
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Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Differentiate between the suffixes -able and -ible based on etymological rules.
Correctly spell and apply at least 20 advanced adjectives ending in -able or -ible in their own writing.
Analyze an author's choice of an -able or -ible adjective to convey a specific tone or character trait in world literature.
Deconstruct unfamiliar -able/-ible words by identifying their Latin or English root words.
Convert -able and -ible adjectives into their corresponding adverb forms (-ably and -ibly) with accuracy.
Edit written work to correct common spelling errors associated with these suffixes.
Is a decision 'defendable' or 'defensible'? Is a mistake 'excusable' or 'excusible'? 🤔 Precision in language separates good analy...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
SuffixA morpheme (a meaningful unit of language) added at the end of a word to form a derivative, such as -able or -ible.In 'readable', '-able' is the suffix that turns the verb 'read' into an adjective meaning 'able to be read'.
Root WordThe core of a word that carries the primary meaning, to which prefixes and suffixes are attached.The root of 'incredible' is 'cred', a Latin root meaning 'believe'.
AdjectiveA word that describes or modifies a noun or pronoun, often answering questions like 'what kind?', 'how many?', or 'which one?'.The 'legible' handwriting was easy to read. ('legible' describes 'handwriting').
EtymologyThe study of the...
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Key Rules & Conventions
The Complete Word Rule for -able
The suffix -able is typically added to a complete, standalone English word (often a verb).
If you can remove the suffix and are left with a recognizable English word, the suffix is almost always -able. This rule applies to the vast majority of cases.
The Latin Root Rule for -ible
The suffix -ible is typically added to a word root that is not a complete, standalone English word. These roots are often of Latin origin.
Use this rule when removing the suffix leaves you with a word fragment. For example, removing -ible from 'audible' leaves 'aud', which is not an English word.
The Soft 'c' and 'g' Convention
When a root word ends in a soft 'c' (pronounced /s/) or a soft 'g' (pronoun...
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Challenging
Deconstruct the word 'incontrovertible'. What are its constituent morphemes and their likely meanings?
A.in- (not) + controvert (to argue against) + -ible (able to be)
B.in- (in) + contro- (against) + vert (turn) + -ible (able to be)
C.incon- (unclear) + trovert (to speak) + -ible (able to be)
D.in- (not) + controvertible (arguable)
Challenging
In world literature, an author might choose the formal, Latin-derived 'indefatigable' over the simpler 'untirable' to describe a character's energy. What is the most likely reason for this choice?
A.To make the text more difficult for the reader to understand.
B.To create a more sophisticated and serious tone, suggesting the character's endurance is profound and almost superhuman.
C.Because 'untirable' is not a real word in the English language.
D.To follow the 'Complete Word Rule' more closely.
Challenging
Excerpt 1: 'The hero's quest was laudable.' Excerpt 2: 'The student's effort was commendable.' Both 'laudable' and 'commendable' mean 'praiseworthy'. What subtle distinction, based on their roots ('laudare' vs. 'commendare'), might a literary analyst infer?
A.'Laudable' implies public, formal praise, while 'commendable' suggests official or personal approval.
B.'Commendable' is a stronger word than 'laudable'.
C.There is no functional difference; the author's choice was random.
D.'Laudable' applies to actions, while 'commendable' applies only to people.
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