WORD FORMATION - PREFIXES & SUFFIXES

PREFIXES and SUFFIXES create new words, usually by modifying or changing the meaning of a ROOT WORD.If we take a root word like EMPLOY (verb) or HAPPY (adjective), we can see how their meaning changes.

*UN + employ + ED = UNEMPLOYED (the verb becomes an adjective with a negative meaning)

Pay attention to changes in SPELLING: �� �y� often becomes �i� / final �e� often disappears (�)

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1. PREFIXES like DIS/IN/IM/IR/UN/IL/MIS are used to give an opposite/negative meaning to a word.

Task: Find the opposites of the words on the right and write them down.

�	� POSSIBLE LOYAL HONEST REGULAR LEGAL COMPLETE REPLACEABLE EFFECTIVE POPULAR FORTUNE DIFFERENT KIND �

2. SUFFIXES�can be used to form�a verb,� a noun, an adjective and an adverb.

EXAMPLES

*dark (adjective) + ness = darkness (noun)�

*strength (noun) +�en =�strengthen (verb)�

*probable (adjective) + (l)y =�probably (adverb)

*glory (noun) +�ous =�glorious (adjective)

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Task: Link the verbs with their correct suffix to form NOUNS and write them down. Follow the example and be careful with the spelling.

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a) IMAGINE���������	1. -ance��	g	ASSISTANCE
b) WEAK���������������	2. -ity�������
c) TEACH�������������	3. -ation���
d) INFECT�����������	4. -sion������
e) DECIDE�����������	5. -ence�
f) ARGUE�������������	6. -er���������
g) ASSIST������������	7. -al���������
h) SECURE�����������	8. -ance���
i) REFUSE	9. -ment��
j) OCCUR	10. - ion���
k) RESIST������������	11. -ness��

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3. PREFIXES and SUFFIXES

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Task: Add a PREFIX and/or SUFFIX to the words below and put them in the correct sentence. In brackets you'll find some information on the parts of speech to use.

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PROBABLE���� COMMUNICATE���� AGREE���� CURIOUS�����ANGER���� HEALTH

���� RESPONSIBLE���� FAME���� HELP���� LIKE���� CAREFUL���� CONCLUDE

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a) The�lights are green, but nobody is moving. He is so �. (adjective)

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b) Don't you know that saying "�killed the cat?" �(noun)

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c) I think you should drive more . You're scaring me. (adverb)

d) She is a very �TV star. (adjective)

e) They have different opinions on the subject. Their �will last forever. (noun with a negative meaning)

f) Brian is always late for work. He is so . (adjective with a negative meaning)

g) This Math problem is very difficult. Mary�didn't come to any ��. �(noun)

h) He can't see the banana peel. He will �slip and fall. (adverb)

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i) You shouldn't eat so much junk food. It's very . ��(adjective with a negative meaning)

j) Thanks for finding my cat. You're a very �young man. �(adjective)

k) My parents are always fighting. There is no �between them anymore. �(noun)

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l) I�really �my packed lunch. It doesn't smell so nice. (verb with a negative meaning)