Y06W35VC Word Roots — -ify (make / cause)

The suffix -ify comes from Latin and means 'to make', 'to cause to become' or 'to convert into'. It is added to nouns or adjectives to form verbs that describe the process of bringing about a change or creating a particular state. Recognising -ify helps students decode unfamiliar verbs in science, technology, social studies and formal writing. This module explores six key academic words ending in -ify alongside three Word Families examples.

Word Families

These three words all contain -ify. As you read, notice how the meaning 'make / cause' helps you work out each word.

classify

/ˈklæsɪfaɪ/

clas‑si‑fy

verb | [classify – classified – classified]

To arrange things into classes or groups according to shared features.

Word Breakdown: -ify (suffix meaning 'to make / cause')

Example: Biologists classify living things into kingdoms, phyla and species based on shared characteristics.

Synonyms: categorise, sort, group

Collocations: classify into groups, classify as, scientific classification

justify

/ˈdʒʌstɪfaɪ/

jus‑ti‑fy

verb | [justify – justified – justified]

To show or explain that something is reasonable or correct.

Example: Students are expected to justify their word choices and explain why each one best suits the context.

Synonyms: defend, explain, validate

Collocations: justify a decision, well-justified, justify the reasoning

magnify

/ˈmæɡnɪfaɪ/

mag‑ni‑fy

verb | [magnify – magnified – magnified]

To make something appear larger than it is; also, to make something seem more important or serious.

Example: Media coverage can magnify the impact of a crisis, making it appear more widespread than it is.

Synonyms: enlarge, amplify, exaggerate

Collocations: magnify the effect, magnify under a lens, magnify a problem

Academic Vocab

organise

/ˈɔːɡənaɪz/

or‑gan‑ise

verb | [organise – organised – organised]

To arrange things in an orderly, structured way so that they work effectively.

Word family: organise (v.), organisation (n.), organised (adj.)

Example: Good writers organise their ideas before drafting to ensure their argument flows logically.

Synonyms: arrange, order, structure

Collocations: organise ideas, well-organised, organise information

plan

/plæn/

plan

noun / verb | [plan – planned – planned]

A detailed proposal for achieving a goal. As a verb, to decide on and arrange something in advance.

Word family: plan (n./v.)

Example: Before writing, students should plan their argument by identifying their key points and evidence.

Synonyms: outline, strategy, design

Collocations: make a plan, plan ahead, a clear plan

structure

/ˈstrʌktʃə/

struc‑ture

noun / verb | [structure – structured – structured]

The way something is organised or arranged. As a verb, to organise in a planned way.

Word family: structure (n./v.), structural (adj.)

Example: A clear structure gives the reader a roadmap through the argument from beginning to end.

Synonyms: organisation, framework, layout

Collocations: structure an essay, clear structure, well-structured

arrange

/əˈreɪndʒ/

ar‑range

verb | [arrange – arranged – arranged]

To put things in a particular order or to plan or prepare something.

Word family: arrange (v.), arrangement (n.)

Example: She carefully arranged her paragraphs so that each one built on the point made before it.

Synonyms: order, organise, set up

Collocations: arrange in order, arrange ideas, arrange carefully

sequence

/ˈsiːkwəns/

se‑quence

noun / verb | [sequence – sequenced – sequenced]

A set of things or events arranged in a particular order. As a verb, to arrange in order.

Word family: sequence (n./v.), sequential (adj.)

Example: Following a logical sequence of steps helps writers produce clear and well-reasoned arguments.

Synonyms: order, series, progression

Collocations: in sequence, a logical sequence, sequence of events

firstly

/ˈfɜːstli/

first‑ly

adverb

‘Firstly’ introduces the first point in a sequence of ideas or steps.

Example: Firstly, read the question carefully so you know exactly what to answer.

Synonyms: first of all, to begin with, first

Collocations: firstly, the; firstly, students should; firstly, it is important

Confusing Words

however vs although

However and although both introduce contrast, but they work differently in a sentence. However is a conjunctive adverb — it connects two separate sentences or clauses and is usually followed by a comma — for example, 'She revised her argument carefully. However, she was still not satisfied with the conclusion.'

  • however — However' introduces a contrast — for example, 'The idea was interesting; however, it needed more evidence.'
  • although — Although is a conjunction — it connects two ideas within a single sentence — for example, 'Although she revised her argument carefully, she was still not satisfied with the conclusion.'

Memory rule: A simple test: if you are joining two ideas within one sentence, use although (no full stop between them). If you are starting a new sentence with a contrasting idea, use however (preceded by a full stop or semicolon). However can also appear mid-sentence with commas on both sides.