Negative prefixes
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We add a prefix such as in- or un- or dis-, im-, il-, non, ir- etc. to the beginning of adjectives, adverbs and
verbs to give them the opposite meaning.
For example,
Ø Before "r" one has to use "ir" irreparable;
Ø Before "l",use "il" illogical;
Ø Before "t", use "dis" distrust; distasteful
Ø Before "c, b or s" use "un or in" uncomfortable/unbelievable and incomplete/incredible/insanity;
Ø Before "p", use "im" impossible
Ø Before "m", use "im" immature, immortal
Ø Before "h or f", use "un" unhappy/unfettered;
Ø Before a noun, use "non" non-smoker, etc.
Exercise 1
Write the negative form of these words by adding a negative prefix: "un-", "dis-", "ir-", "il-", "in-", or "im-".
1 ____comfortable 2 ____patient 3 ____honest
st 4 ____ lucky
5 ____formal 6 ____possible 7 ____popular 8 ____lock
9 ____appear 10 ____agree 11 ____legal 12 ____polite
13 ____like 14 ____logical 15 ____convenient
Exercise 2: Write the negative form of these words by adding a negative prefix:
"un-", "dis-", "ir-", "il-", "in-", or "im-".
1 ____frequent 6 ____believable 11 ____relevant
2 ____mature 7 ____approve 12 ____dependent
3 ____legible 8 ____curable 13 ____responsible
4 ____moral 9 ____familiar 14 ____accurate
5 ____regularr 10 ____grateful 15 ____resistible
Exercise 3: Fill in negative prefixes to form the OPPOSITE of each of the adjectives below. In some
cases, more than one pre-fix is possible.
___acceptable ___accurate ___adequate ___agreeable ___approachable
___appropriate ___bearable ___compatible ___complete ___conscious
___contented ___convenient ___credible ___decisive ___desirable
___discreet ___excusable ___experienced ___faithful ___flexible
___frequent ___grateful ___healthy ___helpful ___hospitable
___legal ___legible ___legitimate ___literate ___logical
___mature ___moral ___mortal ___obedient ___organised
___passive ___patient ___perfect ___personal ___polite
___probable ___readable ___regular ___resolute ___responsible
___respectful ___sane ___satisfactory ___satisfied ___sociable
___sufficient ___variable ___visible ___willing
Exercise 4: Complete the sentences by adding the correct pre-fix for each word.
1 It's rather ___polite if you don't say 'Please' a lot in English.
2 My parents are extremely generous with their time and money. They are very ___selfish.
3 If the traffic is bad, it'll be ___possible to get to the match on time.
4 It's ___legal to drive along that street; it's for pedestrians only.
5 My mum thought a burglar had been in my bedroom, but it's always really ___tidy.
6 It was completely ___responsible of you to go away for the weekend without telling us.
7 Mike's pretty ___happy about going on holiday with his girlfriend's parents.
8 I never know when to expect the post. It's so ___regular.
9 Taking a large suitcase on a waling holiday is a bit ___practical
