Unit 32: Word endings: -et, -ot, -ate, -ite
Page 6 of 10
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Often, the split digraph i-e and a-e in words means the vowel says its name and therefore the ending is clearly different and we can predict the spelling more readily. |
| date | translate | concentrate | (long /ā/ sound) |
| write | invite | satellite | (long /ī/ sound) |
In this unit, however, we are focusing on when they create a weak schwa sound and you can no longer hear the difference between -ite and -ate:
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| chocolate | favourite (US: favorite) |
There is no clear rule to help you, you must learn the words. Study the table below (you will note that more end -ate than -ite, so it may help to concentrate on learning the -ite endings):
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| ate as in chocolate | ite as in favourite (US favorite) |
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composite definite exquisite favourite (US: favorite) granite hypocrite infinite opposite requisite |
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Several words ending in -ate are pronounced differently depending on their function in the sentence noun, adjective or verb which can help you spell them. Consider the examples below. It helps to say them aloud:
| Nouns or adjectives, with the schwa sound: /Ə/ |
Verbs, with the long /ā/ sound. |
| They sleep in separate beds. | Can you separate those fighting dogs? |
| Please give me an estimate
for the work. |
I estimate we'll land in forty minutes. |
| I need a duplicate
copy of the invoice. |
I'll duplicate it for you. |
| This job is only open to graduates. | She will graduate next year. |
| Many delegates attended the conference. | I delegate the responsibility to you. |
You have not completed Learn the Words activities for each word list on this page.
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