Noun Suffixes (-ness, -ment, -ion, -ity, -hood, -ship)

What is a Noun Suffix?

A suffix is a group of letters added to the end of a word. It changes the word’s meaning and creates a new word. A noun suffix specifically forms a noun. This lesson will teach you how to use these common noun suffixes: -ness, -ment, -ion, -ity, -hood, and -ship.

1. The Suffix -ness

The suffix -ness is added to adjectives to form nouns. These nouns describe the state or quality of the adjective.

• The adjective happy becomes the noun happiness (the state of being happy).
• The adjective kind becomes the noun kindness (the quality of being kind).

2. The Suffix -ment

The suffix -ment is added to verbs to form nouns. These nouns usually describe the result or process of the action.

• The verb develop becomes the noun development (the process of growing).
• The verb pay becomes the noun payment (the money paid for something).

3. The Suffix -ion

The suffix -ion (or its other forms -tion, and -sion) is added to verbs to form nouns. These nouns describe an action, process, or state.

• The verb discuss becomes the noun discussion (the action of talking about something).
• The verb educate becomes the noun education (the process of learning).

4. The Suffix -ity

The suffix -ity is added to adjectives to form nouns. These nouns describe a state, condition, or quality.

• The adjective active becomes the noun activity (something you do, a state of being active).
• The adjective possible becomes the noun possibility (something that might happen, a state of being possible).

5. The Suffix -hood

The suffix -hood is added to nouns to form new nouns. These nouns describe a time in a person’s life, a state, or a group of people.

• The noun child becomes childhood (the time when you are a child).
• The noun neighbor becomes neighborhood (the area where neighbors live).

6. The Suffix -ship

The suffix -ship is added to nouns to form new nouns. These nouns describe a state, condition, skill, or a relationship between people.

• The noun friend becomes friendship (the relationship between friends).
• The noun leader becomes leadership (the skill or state of being a leader).

Let's Practice!

Read the sentences and choose the correct noun with a suffix.

1. I need to make a (pay / payment) for my new book.
2. The (dark / darkness) at night can be a little scary.
3. Good (educate / education) is important for a good job.
4. Their (friend / friendship) started when they were children.

(Answers: 1. payment, 2. darkness, 3. education, 4. friendship)

A Final Tip

When you read or listen to English, try to notice these suffixes. This will help you learn new words and understand their formation!