Build Your English Vocabulary: Mastering the -ence Suffix
Learning how verbs change into nouns is a powerful way to expand your English vocabulary. One common and useful pattern is when verbs form nouns ending in -ence. These noun forms appear frequently in academic writing, news articles, and formal English.
In this post, you’ll learn six essential verb → noun pairs ending in -ence, with clear meanings, usage notes, and examples to help you understand how they work in real English.
What Does the Suffix -ence Mean?
The suffix -ence is used to form nouns that describe:
- a state or condition
- a fact or quality
- the result of an action
1. differ → difference
- Verb: differ (to be unlike or not the same)
- Noun: difference (the way in which things are not the same)
Example sentences:
- The two opinions differ greatly.
- There is a big difference between formal and informal English.
2. exist → existence
- Verb: exist (to be real or alive)
- Noun: existence (the state of being real or alive)
Example sentences:
- Do aliens exist?
- Scientists debate the existence of life on other planets.
3. occur → occurrence
- Verb: occur (to happen)
- Noun: occurrence (an event or something that happens)
Example sentences:
- Accidents often occur during heavy rain.
- This kind of error is a common occurrence.
4. prefer → preference
- Verb: prefer (to like one thing more than another)
- Noun: preference (a greater liking for one option)
Example sentences:
- I prefer tea to coffee.
- She has a strong preference for online classes.
5. refer → reference
- Verb: refer (to mention or direct attention to something)
- Noun: reference (a mention, source, or point of information)
Example sentences:
- He referred to the report during the meeting.
- Please include a reference at the end of your essay.
6. interfere → interference
- Verb: interfere (to get involved in a way that causes problems)
- Noun: interference (unwanted involvement or disruption)
Example sentences:
- Do not interfere with the experiment.
- The signal was damaged by outside interference.
Common Spelling Note
Many -ence nouns keep the verb’s base spelling, but some add or change letters (for example, occur → occurrence). Paying attention to spelling is important for accurate writing.
Why Learn Verb–Noun Pairs Ending in -ence?
Understanding these pairs helps you:
- Read academic and formal texts more easily
- Write more natural, advanced English
- Recognize word families instead of memorizing isolated words
If you’re learning English vocabulary systematically, focusing on suffix-based word families like -ence is one of the most efficient strategies.
🌐 For more suffix-based vocabulary, explore our detailed article on the English suffix -ment and how it turns verbs into commonly used nouns.
English Suffix -ment Explained: How Verbs Change into Nouns