Last week we learned the rule governing the spelling of derivatives of one syllable ending in a single consonant preceded by a single vowel when we add a suffix beginning with a vowel.

The same rule applies to words of two or more syllables, accented on the last syllable.

For example:

• Compel, compelled, compelling.
• Prefer, preferred, preferring.

Words accented on the last syllable, when they end in a single consonant preceded by a single vowel, double the final consonant when you add a suffix beginning with a vowel.

When these words take a suffix that begins with a consonant, they do not double the final consonant; as, preferment.

Words accented on any syllable but the last, do not double the final consonant; as, offer, offered, offering.

Words that have two vowels before a single final consonant do not double the final consonant; as, reveal, revealed, revealing.

Words that end in a double consonant or any two consonants, keep the two consonants, no matter what suffix they take; as, indent, indented; skill, skilled, skillful.

The only exception to this rule is when the addition of the suffix throws the accent back to a preceding syllable. When this is the case, the final consonant is not doubled. For example: refer, referred, ref'erence; confer, conferring, con'ference.

Look up the following words in the dictionary, watch for the accent, mark and add the suffixes, ed, ing, ence or ance, if possible.

Monday

• Repel
• Alter
• Prefer
• Debar
• Answer

Tuesday

• Inter
• Offer
• Demur
• Wonder
• Succeed

Wednesday

• Detain
• Combat
• Compel
• Occur
• Cancel

Thursday

• Permit
• Travel
• Repeal
• Control
• Profit

Friday

• Forbid
• Neglect
• Expel
• Render
• Infer

Saturday

• Benefit
• Retain
• Submit
• Reveal
• Limit