In the realm of English grammar, suffixes play a pivotal role in shaping word meanings. Among these suffixes, “-ence” and “-ance” hold a unique place, bestowing upon words a sense of state, action, or quality. Whether it be the resilience of resistance, the elegance of presence, or the turbulence of disturbance, these suffixes are indispensable tools for expressing nuances and enriching the language’s tapestry.
Deciding Between the Suffixes -ence and -ance
When you’re adding the suffix -ence or -ance to a word, there are a few things to keep in mind.
1. The sound of the preceding consonant
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If the preceding consonant is voiced (i.e., it makes a sound with your vocal cords vibrating), use -ance. Examples: accordance, brilliance, distance, elegance, fragrance, occurrence, tolerance
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If the preceding consonant is voiceless (i.e., it makes a sound without your vocal cords vibrating), use -ence. Examples: absence, adherence, competence, confidence, essence, independence, preference
2. The meaning of the word
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-ance: Often indicates a state or quality. Examples: abundance, arrogance, importance, ignorance, patience
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-ence: Often indicates an action or process. Examples: adherence, competence, excellence, experience, influence, precedence
Exceptions to the rule:
| Word | Suffix |
|---|---|
| maintenance | -ance |
| existence | -ence |
| perseverance | -ance |
| circumference | -ence |
If you’re not sure which suffix to use, you can always look it up in a dictionary.
Question 1:
How do you know when to use the suffixes “-ence” or “-ance”?
Answer:
The rule for using “-ence” or “-ance” is determined by whether the root word (without the suffix) contains an “e” or not. If the root word has an “e,” use “-ence.” If the root word does not have an “e,” use “-ance.”
Question 2:
Are there any exceptions to the “-ence” or “-ance” rule?
Answer:
Yes, there are some exceptions to the “-ence” or “-ance” rule. For instance, certain words that end in “-cide” (such as “homicide”) and “-scribe” (such as “describe”) use the suffix “-ence.” Additionally, a few words that end in “-mit” (such as “admittance”) and “-vert” (such as “adventitious”) use the suffix “-ance.”
Question 3:
How can I improve my ability to use “-ence” or “-ance” correctly?
Answer:
To improve your ability to use “-ence” or “-ance” correctly, practice writing words with these suffixes. Pay attention to the root words and make sure to apply the rule or exceptions accordingly. Additionally, refer to a dictionary or other language resource when uncertain about the spelling of a word.
Alright, folks, that’s about all we’ve got on the -ence/-ance suffixes for today. I hope this little crash course has been helpful. If you’ve got any more grammar questions, just give us a shout and we’ll do our best to clear things up. Thanks for reading, and we’ll catch you later!