Which suffix turns the verb 'perform' into a noun meaning 'the act of performing'?

• A. -age
• B. -al
• C. -ance or -ence
• D. -able or -ible

Answer: (C)

Suffixes that name the act of doing something attach to a verb to form a noun describing that act. When you add -ance to perform, you get performance, a noun that means the act of performing. This usage shows the action itself, not a quality or capability. Other endings don’t carry that same meaning here: -able or -ible would produce an adjective meaning capable of being performed (performable), while -age or -al create different nouns or adjectives with other senses (like baggage, storage, or ceremonial). So the -ance/-ence option best conveys the act of performing.