E: Prefixes and suffixes

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• havo, vwo
• Leerjaar 2

Chapter 5

Grammar 9: prefixes and suffixes

Prefixes and suffixes are sets of letters that we add to the beginning of a word (prefix) or at the end of a word (suffix). They change the meaning of a word.

Prefixes

non-/un-/im-/il-/in-/ir- 

non-profit/illegal/impossible

Re-

return / revisit/ replay

Mis-

miscommunication  

Dis-

disappear

Give an opposite meaning to a word.

Again

Negative meaning

Opposite or negative meaning

Suffixes

-er

slower, faster, easier 

-ness

kindness, happiness

-ing

painting

-ment

payment

Comparison / a person or thing that does a certain action.

To turn an adverb/adjective into a noun.

To turn a product, material or a verb into a noun.

To change a verb into a noun.

Choose the suffix that changes the verb 'buy' into a person that does the action.

1. -ing
2. -ment
3. -er

Change the verb 'build'. Add the prefix that means 'again'.

Change the noun 'respect'. Add the prefix that gives it the opposite meaning.

Change the adjective 'weak' into a noun. Choose the correct suffix: -ness or -ment.

Change the adjective 'responsible'. Add the prefix that gives it the opposite meaning.

Change the verb 'do'. Add the prefix that means 'again'.

Change the verb 'disappoint' into a noun. Choose the correct suffix: -ment or -ness.

Choose the suffix that changes the verb 'develop' into a person that does the action.

1. -ment
2. -ness
3. -er