English Practice: Prefixes & Suffixes!

Inspired by our current FCE Cambridge English class, here is a “pre-weekend” lesson on English prefixes and suffixes.

Why study English prefixes and suffixes? It helps you broaden your English vocabulary!

A good knowledge of English prefixes and suffixes will help you learn & understand more English vocabulary without the need to always check your ESL dictionary.

So, what is a prefix? A prefix is a letter or group of letters added to the beginning of a word to make a new word.

In the word ‘UNPLEASANT’ (def: causing unhappiness, displeasure) ‘UN-‘ is a prefix added to the word “PLEASANT”.  Why? Because ‘UN’ is the a Latin word for NOT.

What is a suffix? A suffix is a letter or group of letters added to the end of a word to make another word.

The suffix ‘FUL’ added to the end of the word ‘WONDER’ creates another word ‘WONDERFUL’ (def: having great qualities, amazing). Why? Because ‘FUL’ is one of the many suffixes that change a noun into an adjective!

Practice: Finding Combinations

How many combinations can make find below, using the “foundation” words + a prefix and/or a suffix.

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