LESSON 12
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.