inflection

(noun)

In the grammatical sense, modifying a word, usually by adding letters, to create a different form of that word.

Related Terms

Examples of inflection in the following topics:

  • Introduction to Inflection

    • In the context of grammar, inflection is altering a word to change its form, usually by adding letters.
    • In English grammar, "inflection" is the broad umbrella term for changing a word to suit its grammatical context.
    • Conjugation is the specific type of inflection that has to do with verbs.
    • For example, if you change from singular to plural (e.g., from “cat” to “cats,” or from “syllabus” to “syllabi”), you’re “inflecting” the noun.
    • Inflecting adverbs is very similar to how you change adjectives.

  • Apostrophes

    • An apostrophe is also sometimes used when the normal form of an inflection seems awkward or unnatural.