English and Learning Skills Reference Code: L4000

Suffixes: -able, -ible

è These two suffixes always sound the same. Although there are no absolute rules to tell you
when to write -ible and when -able, you should find the patterns below useful:

è Words ending - able can often be divided into separate words that make
sense:

è able to accept = acceptable

è able to adapt = adaptable
è able to depend on = dependable

¤Note: Final -e is usually dropped when adding –able

è value + able = valuable

è desire + able = desirable

è Words ending - ible cannot usually be divided in this way. You cannot
separate visible and possible into words that make sense.

Most words with /s/ or /z/ sound take the -ible ending.

è Responsible, feasible, sensible, permissible, accessible, possible.

• Exercise:
Write ‘A’ or ‘I’ in the following blanks: (Answers on the next page)

1) poss _ ble 2) imagin _ ble 3) inelig _ ble

4) accept _ ble 5) cred _ ble 6) intellig _ ble

7) profit _ ble 8) access _ ble 9) inconsider _ ble

10) compar _ ble 11) vis _ ble 12) impractic _ ble

13) respons _ ble 14) avoid _ ble 15) indispens _ ble

16) depend _ ble 17) indel _ ble 18) incompat _ ble

19) desir _ ble 20) illeg _ ble 21) inflamm _ ble

22) prob _ ble 23) ined _ ble

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English and Learning Skills Reference Code: L4000

Suffixes: -able, -ible

i Answers:

1) possible 2) imaginable 3) ineligible

4) acceptable 5) credible 6) intelligible

7) profitable 8) accessible 9) inconsiderable

10) comparable 11) visible 12) impracticable

13) responsible 14) avoidable 15) indispensable

16) dependable 17) indelible 18) incompatible

19) desirable 20) illegible 21) inflammable

22) probable 23) inedible

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