When you add the suffix "tion" to the end of a word, it typically transforms a verb into a noun. This noun often represents the action, process, or result related to the original verb. For example, adding "tion" to "operate" forms "operation," shifting the word from a verb to a noun that denotes the act or process of operating. The suffix "tion" helps indicate state, condition, action, process, or result. This transformation is a common way in English to create nouns from verbs, often called nominalization.
How "tion" affects words
- Converts verbs into nouns (e.g., "decorate" to "decoration," "invite" to "invitation").
- Indicates a concept related to the verb's action or result.
- Usually involves dropping a final "e" from the verb before adding "tion" (e.g., "educate" to "education").
- Pronunciation changes may occur, especially vowel sounds (e.g., "invite" drops the "e" and changes to "invitation").
- These nouns describe the action, process, or state affiliated with the verb.
Summary
Adding "tion" to the end of a verb word:
- Shifts the word class from verb to noun.
- Creates a noun that expresses an action, condition, or result.
- Often requires slight spelling adjustments to the root word.
This suffix is one of the most common noun-forming suffixes in English. Words ending in "tion" always function as nouns expressing actions or states. This explanation covers the standard and widespread use of "tion" as a suffix in English word formation.
