What does the study of morphology encompass?

The study of morphology encompasses the structure and forms of words, focusing on how words are constructed and how they can be modified to convey different meanings or grammatical functions. It investigates the smallest units of meaning known as morphemes, which can be individual words or parts of words, such as prefixes, suffixes, and root words. By understanding morphology, one gains insight into how words are formed, how they relate to each other in terms of meaning and grammatical roles, and how they can change to reflect tense, plurality, or other grammatical distinctions. This study is essential for language development and literacy, particularly for English language learners who need to understand word formation to enhance their vocabulary and decoding skills.