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