Writing Prefixes With Hyphens
Use of hyphens in prefixes can be confusing as some prefixes use hyphens while some don’t. Also, there are certain prefixes which may or may not use prefixes based on their meanings. Let is take the case of the prefix “ex-“. There are two meanings of this prefix- “belonging to the past” and “out of/from”. When it means belonging to the past, hyphens are used (ex-husband, ex-president). When it means “out of/ from”, then hyphens are not required (exterritorial, exstipulate)
Hyphens are used when prefixes are added to proper nouns. Example: pro-Nazi, un-Indian, trans-Pacific.
Hyphens are required when the prefix ends with a vowel and the base word starts with the same vowel. Common examples include re-enter, semi-industrious, semi-independent. However, English is a language of exceptions and for some cases, if the vowel is “o” for both the prefix and the word, then the hyphen is not required. For example: coordinate, cooperate.
When the prefix ends with a vowel and the base word starts with a different vowel, hyphens are not required. For example: hydroelectricity, proactive, reactivate.
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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