Changing Nouns to Verbs

[crazyaboutenglish]

Hi,

I've learned that you can change a noun to a verb using suffix "ise" "ify" "ate" and "en" but how do I know which type of noun is changed to which suffix? Is there a rule?

Thanks.

[5jj]

The safest rule for learners is 'Don't'. Words are used in different functions by native speakers every day, sometimes with prefixes and/or suffixes, sometimes without. Some, in time, come into the standard language; many don't. Learners should confine themselves to words they see and hear actually used, in my opinion.

[crazyaboutenglish]

My teacher in the academy has told us about the suffix but I thought - how do I know which suffix to add to which noun? For example if the noun ends with "ion" do I always use the suffix "ise" like television & televise?

[BobK]

The safest rule for learners is 'Don't'. Words are used in different functions by native speakers every day, sometimes with prefixes and/or suffixes, sometimes without. Some, in time, come into the standard language; many don't. Learners should confine themselves to words they see and hear actually used, in my opinion.

This is the only safe rule. As the man said (in a different context)

Be not the first on whom the new is tried.
Nor be the last to cast the old aside.

b

[crazyaboutenglish]

So I just have to guess or hope that I always have a dictionary with me.

[BobK]

So I just have to guess or hope that I always have a dictionary with me.

Well, I.m afraid so. To liquidize is to turn into a liquid, but to lionize is not to turn into a lion!

b

[crazyaboutenglish]

Thank you!!!