Parts of Speech and Common Word Endings

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering the definitions and common word endings for adverbs, adjectives, verbs, and nouns.

Adverbs

Modifying words that modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, usually telling how, when, or where.

-ly

The most common adverb ending (e.g., quickly, carefully).

-ally

An adverb ending used for words ending in -ic (e.g., basically, tragically).

Adjectives

Describing words that describe nouns or pronouns.

-able / -ible

Adjective ending meaning capable of being (e.g., capable, visible).

-al

Adjective ending meaning relating to (e.g., final, natural).

-ful

Adjective ending meaning full of (e.g., colorful, helpful).

-ic

Adjective ending meaning having the character of (e.g., tragic, historic).

-ive

Adjective ending meaning having the nature of (e.g., active, creative).

-less

Adjective ending meaning without (e.g., hopeless, pointless).

-ous

Adjective ending meaning full of or possessing a quality (e.g., famous, nervous).

Verbs

Words that show action or existence (actions or states of being).

-ate

Verb ending meaning to cause to be or become (e.g., activate, calculate).

-en

Verb ending meaning to make or become (e.g., tighten, strengthen).

-ify

Verb ending meaning to make or form (e.g., clarify, simplify).

-ize / -ise

Verb ending meaning to change into or practice (e.g., realize, organize).

-ed / -ing

Grammatical markers for past tense and present participles (e.g., walked, walking).

Nouns

Words that name things, concepts, or people (people, places, things, ideas).

-ion / -sion / -tion

Noun ending meaning action or state (e.g., action, tension, definition).

-ity / -ty

Noun ending meaning quality or state of being (e.g., ability, serenity).

-ment

Noun ending meaning condition or result of an action (e.g., payment, argument).

-ness

Noun ending meaning state of being (e.g., happiness, sadness).

-er / -or / -ist

Noun ending meaning a person who does something (e.g., actor, writer, artist).

-ism

Noun ending meaning belief or practice (e.g., heroism, communism).