As a learner of another language, something you have surely noticed is the constant need to add new words to your vocabulary to improve your ability to communicate with other speakers. The English language contains a significant number of words, and although enhancing your vocabulary by learning new words can seem overwhelming, knowing and mastering certain topics, such as prefixes and suffixes in English, will help you understand more words.
Understanding common prefixes and suffixes is like learning a code. Once you get the hang of it, you will not only be able to spell words correctly, but you will also recognize and maybe even be capable of defining words you are still unfamiliar with. Start this lesson by learning about prefixes.
In order to understand how prefixes (and suffixes) function, it is necessary to mention that they need a root since, by themselves, these words would have a different meaning; listen to the definition.
For example, the root phobia means fear, but if you add the prefix claustro to it, you obtain the word claustrophobia, which describes the feeling of being afraid of narrow spaces. But you may be wondering, what exactly is a prefix?
Listen to the definition below.
To understand what this means, analyze how the following words are separated into roots and prefixes:
The key to being able to expand your vocabulary with prefixes (and suffixes) is to learn what they mean. Review the meaning of some common prefixes:
Remember that prefixes are like a code. Once you know what they mean, it is easier to interpret them in context. Analyze the following examples:
The previous examples cover some of the most common prefixes, but those are not the only ones that exist. Click on the button below for more information on this topic.
Attention!
• It is important to let you know that while some words are written with a hyphen (-), like post-war, anti-racist or son-in-law, others are not. The rules for the use of this symbol are not always precise, so in case of doubt it is strongly recommended to consult a reliable source like the Merriam-Webster dictionary.
• You must also know that when adding a prefix to the root of a word, you must not add any other letters to it.
Now that you know the meaning and use of prefixes, continue this lesson learning about suffixes.
A suffix is in essence quite similar to a prefix, but it is not exactly the same. Listen to its definition below.
Analyze how the words are separated into roots and suffixes in the following examples:
In the same way as prefixes, suffixes don't have a meaning by themselves; however, they can be classified depending on the type of word they create. Below you can download a list with some of the most common suffixes.
Important! You should be aware that there are several rules and exceptions when using suffixes. Pay attention to each case.
Watch the following video and learn more.
Main Rules When Using Suffixes
Now that you know about the use and different meanings of prefixes and suffixes, keep on learning about adverbs with the suffix –ly.
The suffix –ly is attached to adjectives (and also nouns) to form adverbs. In case you don’t remember, adverbs are words that describe verbs, adjectives or other adverbs. Fore example, in the sentence “She runs quickly” , the adverb quickly describes the way she runs.
As you may know by now, there is a wide variety of suffixes, but adverbs with the suffix –ly are quite common.
Adding –ly at the end of an adjective results in an adverb, which is used to describe how something is done. Look at the following examples:
Quiet + -ly = quietly
Angry + -ly = angrily
Frecuent + -ly = frecuently
Watch the following video for more information.
As you can see, working with these types of adverbs is really easy, but don't forget to consider the rules before adding a suffix to make sure you use them correctly.
After reviewing this topic, put what you've learned into practice with some activities.
First, listen to the following audio.
Instructions: Listen to the audio and identify the words with suffixes and prefixes that are mentioned. When you are done, you can check your answers by clicking on the button below.
Continue with a writing exercise.
Instructions: Read the instructions below and click on the Check button after you are done.
Now, put into practice your reading skills.
Instructions: Read and analyze each sentence before answering the activity. Make sure to take your time to get a good result.
Now practice your English speaking abilities.
Instructions: Repeat and record the following sentences. Make sure to pay attention to your pronunciation.
In summary, in this lesson you were able to learn about the use and meaning of prefixes, which are word parts added to the beginning of a root word to change its meaning, and suffixes, which are set of letters added to the end of a root word to creates a word with a new meaning.
Now it's up to you to use what you've learned to expand your vocabulary and your knowledge of English.
As a closure for this lesson, answer a short quiz.
Instructions: Click on the button and answer the following quiz about prefixes and suffixes.
