In our study of the spelling of English words we have found that there are not many rules that apply. In fact, the only way to learn to spell correctly is by sheer dint of memory.

In last week's lesson we found that a number of adjectives can be formed from nouns or verbs by the addition of able or ible, but we find it difficult to determine whether to add able or ible. The sound is practically the same and we are confused as to whether we should use a or i. There is no rule which applies in this case and there is nothing to do but to master the spelling of these words by memory. These are words which we use a great deal and which are very helpful members of our working vocabulary.

Our list of words in this week's lesson contain some of the most common words which we use ending in ible or able. The words for Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday all end in able; the words for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday will end in ible. Notice them carefully and get fixed firmly in mind the correct spelling. Notice also that most of these adjectives can be changed into adverbs by changing ble to bly. So when you have added these adjectives to your vocabulary, you have also added the adverbs as well.

Monday

• Probable
• Capable
• Usable
• Considerable
• Respectable

Tuesday

• Durable
• Salable
• Advisable
• Available
• Equitable

Wednesday

• Tolerable
• Profitable
• Remarkable
• Valuable
• Comfortable

Thursday

• Possible
• Horrible
• Plausible
• Intelligible
• Terrible

Friday

• Credible
• Visible
• Infallible
• Responsible
• Sensible

Saturday

• Forcible
• Permissible
• Feasible
• Corruptible
• Eligible