The suffix -al combines with nouns to form adjectives. Adjectives formed in this way describe something that is connected with the thing referred to by the original noun. Sometimes, -ial is used instead of -al, especially for nouns ending in -er, -or and -ent. The suffix -al can also combine with verbs to form nouns.
Examples
| clinic ➝ clinical |
| coast ➝ coastal |
| norm ➝ normal |
| influence ➝ influential |
| memory ➝ memorial |
| finance ➝ financial |
The suffix –cy combines with adjectives, and occasionally nouns, to form new nouns. Nouns formed in this way refer to the state, quality, or experience described by the adjective. A final t or te is replaced by -cy.
Examples
| frequent ➝ frequency |
| current ➝ currency |
The suffix -y combines with verbs, and sometimes with adjectives or nouns to form new nouns. Nouns formed in this way refer to the circumstances, state, or conditions.
Examples
| unite ➝ unity |
| discover ➝ discovery |

