When a word ends in y preceded by a consonant, the y usually changes to i when adding a suffix:
- curly —> curlier
- party —> parties
- thirty —> thirties, thirtieth
However, if the suffix begins with i, the y does not change (except before the suffix ize):
- thirty —> thirtyish
- fry —> frying
- agony —> agonize
- memory —> memorize
When a final y is preceded by a vowel, it does not change to i:
- journey —> journeying
- trolley —> trolleys
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© Department of English, Faculty of Arts, University of Ottawa
A tool made available online by the Translation Bureau, Public Services and Procurement Canada
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