-ant
* Forms nouns that denote a person or thing that performs an action or has a quality:
* *Act* + ant = *Actor* (someone who acts)
* *Assist* + ant = *Assistant* (someone who assists)
* *Import* + ant = *Import*ant* (something that is important)
-ence
* Forms nouns that denote a state, quality, or action:
* *Exist* + ence = *Existence* (the state of being)
* *Confid* + ence = *Confidence* (the quality of being confident)
* *Resist* + ence = *Resistance* (the action of resisting)
Key Considerations:
* Word Root: The base word often determines the appropriate suffix. Look at the meaning of the base word to understand if it describes a person/thing performing an action, or a state/quality.
* Pronunciation: The ending "-ence" is usually pronounced as a soft "s" sound.
* Common Usage: Certain words are consistently used with one suffix or the other. This is where familiarity and practice come in.
Note: While these suffixes are often used to create nouns, there are exceptions. Some words can be both nouns and verbs. For example: "attendance" (noun) and "attend" (verb).
It's important to remember that these are general guidelines. There are always exceptions and nuances in language. If you are unsure, consult a dictionary or grammar resource.