Language is very dynamic, and it keeps on changing depending on some factors such as generation. Evidently, the English language has experienced some of these changes. The addition of the suffix –ate to some verbs is a perfect example of how changes are occurring in the language. Previously, verbs like administer, comment, minister and orient did not have the suffix -ate. The following factors could have made the verbs susceptible to the creation of an extended form. First, the addition of the suffix –ate brings about is ease of pronunciation. For example, some young students find it easy to say orientate rather than Orient. Another possible reason that is making scholars add the extension is ease in remembrance (Harley 67). It is almost guaranteed that students will remember the verbs better if they all have a standard “ending” (the suffix -ate).
According to my studies and a bit of research, the extension of the suffix –ate does not change the meaning of any of the verbs. For instance, both administer and administrate have the same definitions. However, the occurrence of two verbs that have the same meaning is likely to create confusion among the students as they tend to dig out on which one suits the event it describes better. Most English dictionaries reveal that verbs with the suffix –ate the uncommon form of their predecessors. For example, a dictionary will define commentate as the rare term for comment (Harley 93).
In my opinion, the verb conversate is not a standard verb that can be used to describe the action of “having a conversation. The verb that is applicable in this case is converse and the suffix –ate should not be added to it. On the other hand, it is grammatically correct to use the verb orientate. Scholars have proved that orientate is another term for orient through their writings (Harley 120).
Works cited
Harley, Heidi. “How do verbs get their names? Denominal verbs, manner incorporation, and the ontology of verb roots in English.” The syntax of aspect: Deriving thematic and aspectual interpretation. Oxford University Press, 2010.
