Spelling – Identify the single misspelled word among options A–D (choose exactly one; ignore “All correct”). A) Period B) Saggest C) Famous D) Reference

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Saggest

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Many English words use “gg” or “g” depending on the vowel and stress patterns. “Suggest” belongs to a family where the prefix “sug-” (from sub-) assimilates before “g”, yielding the double “gg”, but the internal vowel remains “u”, not “a”.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Period – correct.
  • Saggest – intended “suggest”.
  • Famous – correct.
  • Reference – correct.


Concept / Approach:
“Suggest” = “sub-” (under) + “gerere/gest-” (carry). The “b” in “sub-” assimilates to “g” → “sug-”, hence “suggest”. The vowel immediately after “sug-” remains “g” followed by “gest”, not “agg-”. So “Saggest” misuses both the initial consonant and the vowel.


Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Check morphology: su(b) + gest → suggest.2) Verify vowel: the first vowel is “u” (not “a”) after the prefix assimilation.3) Confirm other options: period, famous, reference are standard dictionary forms.4) Conclude B is the sole misspelling.


Verification / Alternative check:
Compare derivatives: suggestion, suggestive; both show “sug-” + “gest-”, never “sag-”.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Period: correct; “peroid” would be wrong.
  • Famous: correct; “famouse”/“famus” would be wrong.
  • Reference: correct; beware “referance”.


Common Pitfalls:
Letting speech rhythm suggest “sag-”; writing “referance” for “reference”. Remember “-ence” vs “-ance” families must be learned by pattern.


Final Answer:
Saggest

More Questions from Spellings

Discussion & Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
Join Discussion