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What is the difference between suffixes -y -ly and -ily?

Let's break down the differences between the suffixes "-y", "-ly", and "-ily":

-y

* Function: Forms adjectives from nouns or verbs.

* Examples:

* happy (from the noun "hap")

* rainy (from the noun "rain")

* sleepy (from the verb "sleep")

-ly

* Function: Forms adverbs from adjectives.

* Examples:

* happily (from the adjective "happy")

* quickly (from the adjective "quick")

* slowly (from the adjective "slow")

-ily

* Function: Forms adverbs from adjectives, specifically those ending in "-y".

* Examples:

* easily (from the adjective "easy")

* happily (from the adjective "happy")

* noisily (from the adjective "noisy")

Key Differences

* Origin: "-ly" is the most common adverb suffix. "-ily" is a variation used specifically for adjectives ending in "-y".

* Usage: "-y" is used for creating adjectives, while "-ly" and "-ily" are used for creating adverbs.

Remember:

* Not all adjectives ending in "-y" will form their adverbs with "-ily". Some follow the regular "-ly" rule, like "funny" -> "funnily".

* The suffix "-ily" is often used for words that have a softer, more informal sound compared to words ending in "-ly".

Example:

* "He walked slowly." (adverb formed from "slow" + "-ly")

* "She sang happily." (adverb formed from "happy" + "-ily")

Let me know if you'd like more examples or have any other questions!

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