What is an example of a verb suffix?

The correct answer, -fy, is an example of a verb suffix because it transforms a base word into a verb, implying a process or action related to the base word. For instance, adding -fy to "class" creates "classify," which means to arrange into classes or categories. This suffix denotes a change or an action, making it an effective verb-forming element.

In contrast, the other choices serve different functions. The suffix -ism typically indicates a system, principle, or ideological movement, such as in "realism." The suffix -ment is used to form nouns that express the result of an action, like in "development." Lastly, -hood also forms nouns and refers to a state or condition, as seen in "childhood." All of these suffixes do not create verbs and thus differ from -fy in their grammatical function.