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Negative Prefixes

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We use the negative prefixes un- / in- /im- /il- /ir-

For example:

John and James are brothers. John is reliable, you can trust him to do anything you ask. James, on the other hand, is unreliable, you cannot rely on him.

By adding un to reliable we change the meaning of the word to not reliable.

Dis gives the adjective the opposite meaning: "I know you all agree with the plan, but I still disagree."

Use un- prefix before words that start with a vowel or consonant.
Use il- prefix before words that start i: illegal.
Use im- prefix before words that start with m or p: impossible.
Use ir- prefix before words that start with r: irregular.
Use in- prefix with words that start with consonants and vowels, but not i or u.

Now choose the correct word to complete each sentence:

  • 1) They say he has a ___ face.




  • 2) I have an ___ fear of mice.




  • 3) The Joker character in Batman is ___.




  • 4) In the UK it's ___ to smoke in bars and restaurants.




  • 5) It's ___ that we have to work while they are on holiday.




  • 6) I am too ___ to go fishing.




  • 7) He's so ___ even after all the help we gave him.




  • 8) He still acts like a child, he's so ___.




  • 9) I think the information in this report is ___. It doesn't look right.




  • 10) His attempt to break the world record was ___.