There are different approaches to defining productivity of word formation means – one of them is based on quantitative approach.
A derivative pattern or a derivative affix if considered to be productive if there are a lot of words built on this pattern or with the help of this affix (from a dozen to a thousand). E.g. V+er=N (teacher);
Productivity is characterized by the ability of a given suffix to make new words.
Derivational patterns and derivational affixes are also characterized by the frequency of their occurrence; words based on certain pattern are very frequently used in speech; such patterns are called high-frequently patterns.
There are three degrees of productivity that are distinguished for derivational patterns and individual derivational affixes:
-highly-produced
-productive or semi-productive
-non-productive
The pattern N+ly=Adj – productive, non-active, low-frequency pattern.
