Did you know that English vowels in certain word endings have different meanings?
If you know the meanings, it’s easier to understand what the word means, and to pronounce the word correctly. This helps you speak more clearly, and helps you speak English better if you know what ending to apply. As well as this, it gives your English comprehension a boost!
The English vowels in most vowel word endings are pronounced with the schwa vowel /ə/ that makes the last syllable the weak form or de-stressed form. So the vowel isn’t said as it’s written . It’s said as the schwa vowel- a short ‘u’ sound.
Let’s have a look at some.
English Vowels In Word Endings and Their Meanings
| Meaning | Noun Endings | Examples |
| One who….. | ant, ent, er | servant, president, teacher (American accent- the ‘er’ in teacher is said as ‘er’ not as a weak syllable-schwa ) |
| One who practices…. | ist | pianist |
| State or quality of Being…… | age | stoppage, wrecking, marriage |
| ance | distance, entrance, importance | |
| ancy | expectancy | |
| ence | preference, patience, difference | |
| ency | excellency | |
| ice | service | |
| Meaning | Adjective Endings | Examples |
| Relating to……. | al | natural, special, official |
| Inclined to…… | ant | important |
| ent | excellent, competent, reverent | |
| ish | childish, foolish | |
| Can be….. | able | comfortable, changeable, eatable |
| ible | visible, edible | |
| Full of…. | ous | nervous, famous, dangerous |
| y | muddy ( the ‘y’ is said clearly as ‘ee’ or ‘i’ and not said weekly ) | |
| That which was…. | ed | baked, walked |
| en | stolen, eaten, broken |
So please pay attention when you’re pronouncing the English vowels endings. Say them with the schwa vowel or de-stress them (except for the ones I have noted as not the de-stressed form).
Best wishes, Esther
