Pronuncian Lessons
The -tion, -sion, -cion, -xion suffixes
What is the -tion/-sion suffix?
The -tion/-sion suffix is used to create nouns. We can take verbs, like recognize or devote and quickly guess the meaning of the nouns recognition or devotion. The -tion/-sion suffix is one of the most versatile noun-forming suffixes of the English language.
(We can also include the lesser-used -cion and -xion suffixes with this group.)
Examples of verbs becoming nouns by the addition of the -tion/-sion suffix:
create - creation
recognize - recognition
oppose - opposition
evaluate - evaluation
verify - verification
-tion and -sion syllable stress
The -tion and -sion suffixes are normally stressed on the second to last syllable of the word. This rule can also be thought of as stressing on the syllable directly before the -tion or -sion.
Examples:
passion
question
nation
impression
condition
creation
emotion
supervision
intuition
reputation
specification
Additional suffixes
The -tion/-sion suffix can have the additional -al and -ally suffixes added to it. The syllable stress will remain on the syllable before the -tion/-sion suffix.
Go to:
What are suffixes? lesson
2nd from the last syllable stress lesson