When to Use Prefixes?
Prefixes can be used for multiple purposes. One of the common uses of prefixes is to mean the opposite or negative of the base word. For example, using the prefix “un-” before necessary to create the word unnecessarily or using “dis-” before approving to form disapprove. Both the new words unnecessary and disapprove are the opposites of their base words respectively.
Prefixes are also used to reduce a sentence or a phrase to a single word without changing it. For example, instead of saying “He is showing way too much confidence than required”, we can simply say “He is overconfident”.
How to use prefixes
It is important to understand the way prefixes are used. It should be noted that while adding a prefix to a base word, there should not be a change in the spelling of either the base word or the prefix. For example: unkind (a combination of “un-” and “kind”). Even if it leads to double consonants, the same rule should be followed. Example: coordinate, irresponsible.
Certain rules need to be followed while using hyphens to join prefixes with words. This will be discussed in the next section.
Prefixes in English Grammar : Definition, Examples & How to use them?
In the English language, there are times when we come across a one-syllable or a group of letters being added to a base word to alter its meaning. For example, let us then consider the word “possible”. Adding the letters “im-” before it creates a new word called impossible which means the opposite of possible.
Such types of syllables or groups of letters (im-) are called prefixes and they play a key role in English grammar. Knowledge of prefixes helps enhance vocabulary and comprehension.
Table of Content
- What is a Prefix in English?
- Definitions of a Prefix
- List of 35 Most Common Prefixes in English
- When to Use Prefixes?
- Prefixes Examples
- Writing Prefixes With Hyphens
- How to Learn Prefixes in English?
- Prefixes Exercises
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