.
Patterns 1 & 2
Words with a silent 'e'
If a word ends with a silent 'e', drop the 'e' before adding an ending that begins with a vowel. Common endings that begin with a vowel are 'ed', 'er', 'en', 'ing' and 'ous'.
Examples
ripe + en = ripen
tape + ed = taped
take + ing = taking
If a word ends in 'ce' or 'ge', you keep the 'e' when you add 'ous' or 'able'.
Examples
marriage + able = marriageable
service + able = serviceable
outrage + ous = outrageous
Doubling the last consonant
In single syllable words ending in a consonant that follows a vowel, you double the consonant when adding 'ed', 'er', 'est' and 'ing'.
Examples
tap + p + ing = tapping
rub + b + ing = rubbing
Remember this is only the case when a single consonant follows a single vowel.
Examples
feel + ing = feeling
meet + ing = meeting