What does the Dropping Rule specify about silent 'e'?

The Dropping Rule specifies that the silent 'e' is dropped before a vowel suffix when adding endings such as -ing or -ed to a base word. This rule applies to words like "make," which becomes "making," where the final 'e' is no longer needed to indicate a long vowel sound when the suffix is added. The rule facilitates easier pronunciation and aligns with conventional spelling patterns in English, allowing for smoother transitions between the base word and the suffix. Understanding this rule is crucial for proper spelling and helps reinforce patterns that learners can apply to various words.

This rule does not pertain to retaining the silent 'e' before another vowel, adding a silent 'e' where one did not exist, or mandating the pronunciation of the silent 'e', which would deviate from how the rule is intended to function within the context of English morphology.