Unit 33: Word endings: -ant, -ent, -ance, -ence
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The endings ant, ent, ance and ence are usually an unstressed syllable, meaning the vowel has a schwa sound.
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ant as in contestant | ent as in ornament |
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It's not easy to choose the right ending as they sound the same. One clear rule may help you: |
If the ending is the suffix ment, you know it is ent:
agree + ment = agreement | engage + ment = engagement |
merry + ment = merriment | govern + ment = government |
Otherwise, you just have to rely on your memory. Use Learn the Words to learn them.
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Lists of some common -ant and -ent words
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