Words with -able and -ible

Key Notes:-

Today, we’re going to learn about words that end with -able and -ible. These endings can be tricky, but with a little practice, you’ll become experts at using them!

What do -able and -ible mean?

Both -able and -ible mean ‘able to be’ or ‘capable of being’. They’re added to the end of a root word (the main part of the word) to change its meaning. Let’s look at some examples:

-able Examples	-ible Examples
Wash + -able = Washable: Able to be washed.	Flexible: Able to be bent easily.
Read + -able = Readable: Able to be read.	Possible: Able to be done.
Enjoy + -able = Enjoyable: Able to be enjoyed.	Visible: Able to be seen.
Believe + -able = Believable: Able to be believed.	Edible: Able to be eaten.

How do I know when to use -able or -ible?

This is the tricky part! There isn’t a perfect rule, but here’s a helpful tip:

• Most of the time, if the root word is a complete word, you usually add -able (like read-able).
• If the root word isn’t a complete word on its own, you often add -ible (like vis-ible).

Important Note: There are always exceptions to the rule! So, it’s best to learn these words by practicing and reading.

Practice Time!

Let’s try some examples. Decide whether to use -able or -ible to complete the following words:

1. Understand____
2. Access____
3. Convert____
4. Depend____
5. Suit____

Answers:

1. Understandable
2. Accessible
3. Convertible
4. Dependable
5. Suitable

Using -able and -ible in Sentences

Now, let’s see how to use these words in sentences:

• This book is very readable; I finished it in one day!
• The stars are visible on a clear night.
• The yoga instructor is very flexible.
• The performance was so enjoyable!
• -able and -ible mean ‘able to be’.
• -able is often used when the root word is a complete word.
• -ible is often used when the root word is not a complete word on its own.
• Practice makes perfect! Keep reading and using these words to become a -able and -ible expert!

Let’s practice!