How to Add an Affix

"Tion" is a good example of an affix.

The word affix refers to adding sounds or letters onto the beginning or end of a word to form a new word. These appendages, usually seen in the form of prefixes or suffixes, create new words or variations of meaning based on the root word. Four prefix and four suffix groups account for about 97 percent of the most commonly used prefixes in the English language for school-aged children, according to Scholastic. The prefixes include un-; re-; in-, im-, il-, and ir- (grouped together); and dis-. The suffixes are -ed; -ly; -ing; and -s or -es. The procedure to add affixes varies, depending on if the affix is a prefix or a suffix. By following a few simple steps, you can easily add affixes to words.

Instructions

Prefixes

1. Look at the root word you need to add the prefix to.

2. Choose the correct prefix to put in front of the word, if you have a choice. For example, if the root word is "fix" and your choices for prefixes include de-, pre- or intra-, pick pre-.

3. Put the prefix in front of the word to form the new word. In the example, "pre-" would be written in front of the root word "fix" to form the new word, "prefix."

Suffixes

1. Look at the root word you need to add the suffix to.

2. Choose the correct suffix to add onto the end of the word, if you have a choice. For example, if the root word is "end," and your suffix choices include -ing, -ly or -er, pick "-ing."

3. Add the suffix to the end of the word to form the new word. In the example, the root word "end" would become "ending." Determine if you need to change the spelling of the word based on proper grammar rules.

Tips & Warnings

• Adding prefixes usually requires no changes to the root word in English. However, adding suffixes may require you change a letter(s) at the end of the word. This usually occurs when a word ends in the letter "y," although there are a few other instances as well. For example, to add the suffix "-ly" to the word "happy," you change the "y" to an "i" prior to adding the suffix, so the new word is "happily." This rule applies to most words ending in "y." In addition, you will need to double some consonants at the end of the word, especially if the syllable preceding the consonant includes a short vowel. For example, when you add "-ing" to the word "bug," double the "g" so the word changes to "bugging."

References

• Scholastic - Graphic Organizer: Most Common Prefixes and Most Common Suffixes
• Merriam-Webster: Affix (n.)
• First School Years: Prefixes and Suffixes
• PrefixSuffix.com: English Language Roots