MTEL Communication Literacy Skills : Reading Practice Test

What does the adjective suffix '-able' imply?

1. In the style of, like

2. Right, straight

3. Capable of being

4. New

The correct answer is: Capable of being

The suffix '-able' is commonly used in English to indicate that something possesses the capability or potential to be done. For instance, when added to a verb, it transforms the verb into an adjective that conveys the idea of the subject being capable of or suitable for the action described by the verb. For example, 'readable' means that something can be read, while 'manageable' implies that something can be managed. This conveys a sense of possibility or suitability, which is the essence of what the suffix '-able' implies. In contrast, the other choices provide different meanings that do not align with the essence of '-able.' For instance, 'in the style of' suggests a manner or characteristic rather than a capability, 'right, straight' refers to direction or correctness, and 'new' indicates freshness or recentness, none of which relate to the potentiality or capability signified by '-able.'