Today’s topic isn’t a peeve, it’s a helpful hint for people (like me) who mix up the suffixes –able and –ible when playing the spelling guessing game. If you are heartbroken that it isn’t a Thursday quiz—cheer up! At the bottom I’ve included a link from the same site, where you can take two quizzes, if you desire.
From the Purdue OWL (http://owl.english.purdue.edu/):
Rule 1
If the root is not a complete word, add -ible.
aud + ible = audible
Examples:
- visible
- horrible
- terrible
- possible
- edible
- eligible
- incredible
- permissible
Rule 2
If the root is a complete word, add -able.
accept + able = acceptable
Examples:
- fashionable
- laughable
- suitable
- dependable
- comfortable
Rule 3
If the root is a complete word ending in -e, drop the final -e and add -able.
excuse – e+ able = excusable
Examples:
- advisable
- desirable
- valuable
- debatable
Some Exceptions
- contemptible
- digestible
- flexible
- responsible
- irritable
- inevitable
If you’re dying for a quiz to check how knowledgeable you are, click here: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/exercises/4/21/
And the kibble:
(Photo from: http://www.care2.com/news/member/374694206/1097853)
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