1.3.4

Words Ending in '-ant' or '-ent'

Test yourself

Suffixes: '-ant' or '-ent'

The suffixes '-ant'/'-ent' can be confusing because the 'a' and the 'e' often sound similar.

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'a' or 'e'?

  • What can we do if we don't know which suffix is correct?
  • We can look at all the related words we know for more obvious 'a' or 'e' sounds.
    • '-ation' endings are often a good place to look for a clue.
Illustrative background for No word ending in '-ation'?Illustrative background for No word ending in '-ation'? ?? "content

No word ending in '-ation'?

  • If there are no words related to this word ending in '-ation', then the word often uses an 'e' in the suffix.
  • For example:
    • 'innocent'
    • 'independent'
Illustrative background for 'Observ-'Illustrative background for 'Observ-' ?? "content

'Observ-'

  • Which of these is the correct spelling: 'observent' or 'observant'?
    • You can use the word 'observation' for a more obvious 'a' sound.
  • We can use the spelling of 'observation' to work out that 'observant' is the correct spelling.
Illustrative background for 'Hesit-'Illustrative background for 'Hesit-' ?? "content

'Hesit-'

  • Which of these is the correct spelling: 'hesitant' or 'hesitent'?
    • You can use the word 'hesitation' for a more obvious 'a' sound.
  • We can use the spelling of 'hesitation' to work out that 'hesitant' is the correct spelling.

Jump to other topics

1Reading

1.1Reading

1.2Prefixes

1.3Suffixes

1.4Spelling Rules

1.5Reading Comprehension

1.6Reading Comprehension: SAT Practise

1.7Word Meaning

1.8Fact vs. Opinion

1.9Justifying Views

1.10Figurative Language

1.11Text Structure

2Writing

2.1Sounds in Words

2.2Homophones

2.3Using a Dictionary

2.4Writing Composition

2.5The Subjunctive Mood

2.6Modal Verbs

2.7Active & Passive Voice

2.8Relative Clauses

2.9Expanded Nouns

2.10Punctuation

2.11SAT Spelling Practise

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