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W ORD S ENDING IN -E OR -Y

GLO S S A RY
Prefix A group of letters attached to the start of a word
that can change the root word’s meaning.
Root The smallest part of a word without a prefix
or suffix attached.
• The suffix -y acts as a vowel, so, if adding it to words Suffix A group of letters attached to the end of a word
ending in a silent -e, drop the silent -e. For example, that can change the root word’s meaning.
ice becomes icy and spice becomes spicy. Syllable A unit of pronunciation that has one vowel sound.

Words ending in -y Root word Suffix New word
Words that end in -y can also change spelling when day -ly daily
a suffix is added. The main factor that determines dry
this spelling change is whether the final -y is preceded -ness dryness
by a consonant or a vowel. shy -ly shyly
shy -ness shyness
▷ Exceptions sly -ly slyly
Like words ending in -e, there are exceptions sly slyness
to the rules for words ending in -y. -ness

▷ Rule 1
If a word ends in beauty -ful beautiful
a consonant and -y,
the -y is replaced
by i when any
suffix except for apply -ance appliance
-ing is added.

Here, a consonant is Any suffix can be The -y is replaced
followed by a -y ending. added, except -ing. by the letter i.

▷ Rule 2
If a word ends in
a -y preceded by annoy -ed annoyed
a vowel, the -y
is kept when a
suffix is added. play -er player

Here, a vowel is Add a suffix that Keep the -y ending rather
followed by a -y ending. begins with any letter. than changing it to i to avoid
having three vowels in a row.
▷ Rule 3
If a word ends in fly -ing flying
a -y, the -y is kept
when the suffix
-ing is added.
copy -ing copying

This word Add the suffix -ing. The -y ending is needed
ends in -y. to avoid a double i.