What is the Difference Between able and ible?

The suffixes "-able" and "-ible" both mean "capable of" or "suitable for," but they are used differently and have distinct characteristics:

1. -able: This is a living suffix, meaning it can be added to virtually any verb without using a hyphen. It is more common and used to create new words. Some rules for using "-able" include:

• If the root word is not changed, use "-able" (e.g., comfort - comfortable).
• If there is a related word that ends in "-ation," use "-able" (e.g., consideration - considerable).

1. -ible: This suffix is not used to make new words and exists only in words retained from earlier stages of English. It is primarily used for words of Latin origin. Some rules for using "-ible" include:

• When you can't hear a whole root word, use "-ible" (e.g., invisible).
• If a word ends in a /k/ or /g/ sound, use "-ible" (e.g., despicable).

A few examples of words with these suffixes are:

• Adorable: "Able" to be adored (e.g., a cute animal)
• Edible: "Able" to be eaten (e.g., fruits)
• Invisible: "Able" to not be seen (e.g., a ghost)
• Legible: "Able" to be read (e.g., clear handwriting)
• Convertible: "Able" to be converted (e.g., a car that can be turned into a truck)
• Despicable: "Able" to be despised or hated (e.g., a contemptible person)
• Flexible: "Able" to be bent or moved easily (e.g., a gymnast)

Remember that there are always exceptions to spelling rules in English, and it is best to consult a dictionary if you are unsure about a specific word.

Comparative Table: able vs ible

The suffixes -able and -ible are both used to form adjectives meaning "capable of" or "suitable for." They are added to verbs and bound stems to create new words. However, there are some differences between their usage:

• Living Suffix: -able is a living suffix, meaning it can be added to virtually any verb without using a hyphen. It is also used to create new words.

• Historical Suffix: -ible is not used to make new words; it exists only in words retained from earlier stages of English.

Here is a table summarizing the differences between -able and -ible:

Keep in mind that there are some exceptions and variations in spelling, and it is essential to practice using these words and consult a dictionary when in doubt.