Unit 27 - Spelling the word endings -able and-ible

A suffix is a letter or group of letters that are added to the end of a ROOT word to change its meaning.

Click here to hear the suffix -able or -ible.
Help spelling English words able Help spelling English words ible
comfortable horrible

Because the vowel sound in these suffixes contains the schwa sound (Unit 24), both end up sounding the same. This can make it difficult when it comes to spelling. Not only do they sound the same, but the suffix often means the same (‘can be’), so we cannot even look to the meaning for clues.

As -able is a more common ending than -ible, it could be useful to:

  1. Learn the -ible words you think you are going to use most often
  2. Use -able for the others
  3. See whether the words fit the broad rules above
  4. When learning the spellings, say the words aloud and exaggerate the initial vowel sound of the suffix (horrIble; comfortAble)
  5. Use Spellzone to learn as many of each as you can!
Learn the Words:
Study this word list 'Look, Say, Cover, Write, Check' spelling exercise English spelling games spelling test

Read the Clue

Type the whole word:
Is easily noticed.
Very likely to be remembered
Can be relied upon.
Restful and relaxing.
Can be obtained.
Can be transferred.


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Unit 27: Spelling the endings -able and -ible

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