MTEL Communication Literacy Skills : Reading Practice Test

Which verb suffix indicates a change or transformation?

1. -fy

2. -en

3. -ate

4. -ize

The correct answer is: -en

The suffix that indicates a change or transformation is most commonly recognized as -en. This suffix is used to form verbs that denote the process of making or becoming something, emphasizing a transformation. For example, "hasten" implies a change to become quick or faster, while "sharpen" indicates the process of making something sharp. This transformative quality is characteristic of this specific suffix. The other suffixes have distinct meanings but are not primarily associated with the idea of transformation. For instance, -fy often means "to make" or "to cause to be," which does involve change but not in the same way that -en emphasizes transformation. Similarly, -ate and -ize also indicate a process or action, but they do not specifically focus on the concept of change or transformation in the same direct manner that -en does.