Key learning points

1. The -able and -ably endings are the most common spellings for this sound and are therefore the best bet.
2. Removing the -able suffix generally leaves a recognisable word, e.g. understand - understandable
3. Words in word families using the suffixes -ation, -able and -ably are connected in spelling and meaning.
4. Drop the final -e of the root word before adding the suffix -able unless the words end in -ce or -ge
5. How to spell the curriculum words: privilege, system.

Keywords

• Suffix - a letter or group of letters added to the end of a word to change its meaning

• Root word - the base word from which other words are formed often by adding prefixes or suffixes

• Adjective - describes a noun

• Adverb - describes a verb

Common misconception