This lesson describes various types of word transformations that are used in advanced English assessments. There are interactive gap-fill exercises to practise each of the transformation types. This lesson is part of our Advanced English Course. You can enrol on this course for free here.
In English word transformation exercises, particularly those used in CAE style exams, several common patterns or groups of changes are typically used. These transformations often involve altering the base form of a word into another form, such as from a noun to an adjective, verb to noun, etc. Here are some common patterns:
Suffix Addition
Adjective to Noun: Adding suffixes like -ness, -ity, or -ism.
Example: happy -> happiness
Verb to Noun: Adding suffixes like -tion, -ment, -ance, -ence.
Example: develop -> development
Adjective to Adverb: Adding -ly.
Example: quick -> quickly
Prefix Addition
Adding prefixes to alter the meaning.
Example: happy -> unhappy
Example: possible -> impossible
Suffix Replacement
Replacing one suffix with another.
Example: use -> useful -> useless
Internal Changes
Vowel Changes: Altering the internal vowels.
Example: strong -> strength
Consonant Changes: Changing or doubling consonants.
Example: advise -> advice
Compound Words
Combining words to form a single word or hyphenated word.
Example: hand + made -> handmade
Example: brother + in + law -> brother-in-law
Conversion (Zero Derivation)
Changing the word class without altering the form.
Example: to access (verb) -> access (noun)
Irregular Forms
Words that change form irregularly.
Example: child -> children
Example: go -> went
You can use the following exercises to practise these different types of word transformations. Fill the gaps with the form of the words in brackets that best fit the sentences. Each exercise focuses on a different type of transformation.