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3.15 Words ending in y

In words ending in y preceded by a consonant, change the y to i before a suffix, unless the suffix itself begins with i:

  • heavy
  • heaviest
  • lively
  • livelihood
  • salary
  • salaried
  • necessary
  • necessarily

but

  • copyist
  • flying
  • denying
  • trying

Note the distinction between dryer (something or someone that dries) and drier (the comparative of dry).

Words ending in y preceded by a vowel generally retain the y before a suffix:

  • annoy
    • annoyance
    • annoying
  • pay
    • payable
    • paying