Negative prefixes
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Negative prefixes
In English, one way to make negative statements is by adding negative prefixes to nouns, adjectives, and verbs. Here are some English negative prefixes: a–, dis–, il–, im–, in-, ir–, non–, un–.
For example, the prefix un- can be attached to the adjective happy to create the negative adjective unhappy. Or you can use the negative adverb not. Note that there is no difference in meaning between these two forms. affirmative negative negative prefix not Tom is happy. Tom is unhappy. Tom is not happy.
What is a negative prefix?
A negative prefix is a group of letters added to the beginning of a word to form the word’s opposite. The most common negative prefixes in English are in-, un-, non-, de-, dis-, a-, anti-, im-, il-, and ir-.
Some root words can take more than one negative prefix, but the meaning of the word is then different, depending on the negative prefix used. Words that take a– as a negative prefix always begin with a consonant. affirmative negative political apolitical sexual asexual
Words that take dis– as a negative prefix may begin with a vowel or a consonant. affirmative negative agree disagree comfort discomfort Words that take il– as a negative prefix always begin with the letter l. affirmative negative legal illegal legible illegible literate illiterate
Words that take im– as a negative prefix always begin with the letter m or p. affirmative negative moral immoral perfect imperfect Words that take in– as a negative prefix can begin with a vowel (except i or u) or a consonant. affirmative negative accurate inaccurate eligible ineligible organic inorganic sane insane Note: There are many words that begin with in– that are not words with a negative prefix.
For example: Incline not cline insist not sist
Words that take ir– as a negative prefix always begin with the letter r. affirmative negative rational irrational regular irregular Words that take non– as a negative prefix may begin with a vowel or a consonant. affirmative negative essential nonessential fiction nonfiction sense nonsense
Words that take un– as a negative prefix may begin with a vowel or consonant. affirmative negative able unable interesting uninteresting comfortable uncomfortable helpful unhelpful
Task
Change the meaning of the words below by adding a prefix (DIS- , IN- , IR- , MIS- or RE-) advantage - agree - correct - dependent - formal - honest - like - print - responsible - write It was very ___________ of her to cheat in the examination. I ___________ all kinds of dogs, especially those big ones with sharp teeth. The country has been ___________ from France for over 200 years. You don't need to wear fashionable clothes. The party is going to be very___________ . Shops should be open 24/7 . - No , I ___________! - You have to give workers some time off. The capital of the USA is not New York. The answer is ___________'.The capital is Washington. It was___________ to go away for the weekend without telling your parents. Don't do that again. Not being able to drive is a great ___________ in today's world. I'm not very satisfied with my essay . I think I'll ___________ it. There was a ___________in today's newspapers . Instead of "advice" it should have been "advise".
To sum up
Negative prefixes
Antonio Gomez
Created on February 9, 2023
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Transcript
Negative prefixes
Start
Negative prefixes
In English, one way to make negative statements is by adding negative prefixes to nouns, adjectives, and verbs. Here are some English negative prefixes: a–, dis–, il–, im–, in-, ir–, non–, un–. For example, the prefix un- can be attached to the adjective happy to create the negative adjective unhappy. Or you can use the negative adverb not. Note that there is no difference in meaning between these two forms. affirmative negative negative prefix not Tom is happy. Tom is unhappy. Tom is not happy.
What is a negative prefix?
A negative prefix is a group of letters added to the beginning of a word to form the word’s opposite. The most common negative prefixes in English are in-, un-, non-, de-, dis-, a-, anti-, im-, il-, and ir-. Some root words can take more than one negative prefix, but the meaning of the word is then different, depending on the negative prefix used. Words that take a– as a negative prefix always begin with a consonant. affirmative negative political apolitical sexual asexual
Words that take dis– as a negative prefix may begin with a vowel or a consonant. affirmative negative agree disagree comfort discomfort Words that take il– as a negative prefix always begin with the letter l. affirmative negative legal illegal legible illegible literate illiterate
Words that take im– as a negative prefix always begin with the letter m or p. affirmative negative moral immoral perfect imperfect Words that take in– as a negative prefix can begin with a vowel (except i or u) or a consonant. affirmative negative accurate inaccurate eligible ineligible organic inorganic sane insane Note: There are many words that begin with in– that are not words with a negative prefix. For example: Incline not cline insist not sist
Words that take ir– as a negative prefix always begin with the letter r. affirmative negative rational irrational regular irregular Words that take non– as a negative prefix may begin with a vowel or a consonant. affirmative negative essential nonessential fiction nonfiction sense nonsense
Words that take un– as a negative prefix may begin with a vowel or consonant. affirmative negative able unable interesting uninteresting comfortable uncomfortable helpful unhelpful
Task
Change the meaning of the words below by adding a prefix (DIS- , IN- , IR- , MIS- or RE-) advantage - agree - correct - dependent - formal - honest - like - print - responsible - write It was very ___________ of her to cheat in the examination. I ___________ all kinds of dogs, especially those big ones with sharp teeth. The country has been ___________ from France for over 200 years. You don't need to wear fashionable clothes. The party is going to be very___________ . Shops should be open 24/7 . - No , I ___________! - You have to give workers some time off. The capital of the USA is not New York. The answer is ___________'.The capital is Washington. It was___________ to go away for the weekend without telling your parents. Don't do that again. Not being able to drive is a great ___________ in today's world. I'm not very satisfied with my essay . I think I'll ___________ it. There was a ___________in today's newspapers . Instead of "advice" it should have been "advise".
To sum up