Suffixes – ible or able
The suffix ible or able can be added to some words. They are usually
used to form adjectives.
ible or able How do you know which one to use?
There are no real rules to help you decide whether to use ible or able.
• One fact that could help you decide is that if the root word is not changed then
add able e.g. notice - noticeable.
• Another fact to remember is that there are a lot more able words than ible words.
If you are unsure about which one to use, you’ve got a better chance of getting the
spelling right if you use able.
Add the suffix ible or able to these words. You can use a dictionary to check your
answers after you have had a go.
1. forget forgettable 2. suit ____________ 3. vis ____________
4. terr ____________ 5. ed ____________ 6. understand __________
7. respons ____________ 8. predict ____________ 9. comfort ___________
10. poss ____________ 11. allow ____________ 12. excit ___________
13. read ____________ 14. divis ____________ 15. incred ___________
Write a definition for these ible and able words. The first one has been done for
you.
1. Flexible – something that can bend easily.
2. Sensible - _______________________________________________________
3. Horrible - _______________________________________________________
4. Incredible - _____________________________________________________
5. Suitable - _______________________________________________________
6. Noticeable - _____________________________________________________
7. Adorable - ______________________________________________________
8. Predictable - _____________________________________________________
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