English Morphology: Statement Analysis

Statement S1: Suffix -able Productivity

Statement S1 asserts that attaching the suffix -able to intransitive verbs is productive in English. This statement is incorrect. The suffix -able generally attaches to transitive verbs to form adjectives indicating capability or suitability for being acted upon (e.g., readable from read). Its application to intransitive verbs is very limited and not considered a productive pattern in standard English word formation.

Statement S2: Suffix Order

Statement S2 posits that in English words, inflectional suffixes follow derivational suffixes. This statement is correct. English morphology follows a general order where derivational suffixes, which alter a word's meaning or part of speech, are placed closer to the root word than inflectional suffixes, which add grammatical information (like number or tense).

The typical order is: Root -> Derivational Suffix(es) -> Inflectional Suffix(es).

For example, in the word childishness:

• child (root noun)
• -ish (derivational suffix, forming the adjective childish)
• -ness (derivational suffix, forming the noun childishness)

If we consider plural inflection, like in governments:

• govern (root verb)
• -ment (derivational suffix, forming the noun government)
• -s (inflectional suffix, forming the plural governments)

In both examples, derivational suffixes (-ish, -ness, -ment) precede the inflectional suffix (-s).

Conclusion

Analysis shows that Statement S1 is incorrect, while Statement S2 is correct. This aligns with Option B.