Words ending in -ant or -ent

In a nutshell

The suffixes '-ant' and '-ent' are used for nouns describing a person or thing that does something, for example a contestant or a resident. These endings are also used in adjectives, for example, excellent or hesitant. Words ending in '-ant' and '-ent'  both make an 'unt' sound so they are easily confused. In this summary, you'll learn how to spell words ending in '-ent' and '-ant'.

The suffix '-ent'

The suffix '-ent' is generally used following a soft 'c', 'g' or 'qu' sound.

Examples

Words with an 'id' sound

The suffix '-ent' is also used in nouns and adjectives following the sound 'id'.

Examples

Verbs ending with 'er' or 'ere'

The suffix '-ent' is used to change verbs which end in 'er' or 'ere' into adjectives.

Examples

The suffix 'ant' 

The suffix '-ant' is used following most other sounds.

Examples

Verbs ending with '-ate' and '-ation'

Use the '-ant' ending for words ending in '-ate' and '-ation'.

Examples

Words ending with 'y'

The '-ant' suffix can also be used to change verbs ending with 'y' into adjectives. The 'y' usually changes to an 'i' in these adjectives.

Examples

Tip: Some words do not follow these rules and you must simply learn how to spell them!