Spelling: -ible vs. -able

RULES

-ible

If the root is not a complete word, add -ible.

aud + ible = audible

Examples:

·visible

·horrible

·terrible

·possible

·edible

·eligible

·incredible

·permissible

-able

If the root is a complete word, add -able.

accept + able = acceptable

Examples:

·fashionable

·laughable

·suitable

·dependable

If the root is a complete word ending in -e, drop the final -e and add -able.

excuse - e+ able = excusable

Examples:

·advisable

·desirable

·valuable

·debatable Some exceptions:

·contemptible

·digestible

·flexible

·responsible

·irritable

·inevitable

Now, try some exercises for spelling -ible and -able:

In the following paragraph there are fourteen words ending with -ible or -able, some of which are misspelled. Read the paragraph, locate the misspelled words and write the correct spellings in the space provided in this paragraph:

Most people thought that Michael, an eligable bachelor, was an adorable, personible man. Mattie, however, found him detestable. Some time ago, Michael promised to take Mattie to a fashionible restaurant for a remarkible dinner. As horrable as it sounds, Michael took Mattie to the local McDonald's. Most of the food there was either inedable or undigestable. Mattie was as irritable as possable when she told her roommates about her terrible date. "Whoever finally marries that contemptable Michael," Mattie said, "is certainly not going to be in an enviable position."

(Feel free to e-mail your answers to me)

Write the correct spellings below:

In the following sentences, the final four letters are omitted from each -ible or -able word. Complete each word with the appropriate ending.

1. Last night's movie about the invis____ man was so incred____ that it was laugh____.

2. My irrespons____ little brother is usually kept away from anything break____.

3. Are these new clothes really comfort____, or do people only wear them because they are fashion____?

4. I think I would be less irrit____ if my professors were more flex____.

5. I don't think voting twice in national elections is permiss____.

6. It's always valu____ to have a friend who is depend____.

7. My employer said that it isn't suit____ to have a secretary whose handwriting is illeg____.

You can check your answers with the Answer Key at http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/grammar/g_spelibleA1.html  

sources: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/print/grammar/g_spelible.html  & http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/grammar/g_spelibleEX1.html.