Amerilingua

Grammar: Prefixes

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The Most Complicated Word
The Most Complicated Word
Do you know all of the ins and outs of the English language? In this lesson, students will discuss language learning. The lesson features a video of a Finnish comedian who humorously explains why "ass" is the most difficult and confusing word in American English. Students will learn and practice prefixes and expand their vocabulary related to this topic. The lesson includes plenty of engaging discussion activities and worksheets, making it perfect for both adults and teens, ensuring a fun and interactive learning experience.
B1 Intermediate   |   General English, Speaking Lessons   |   Video   |   Education, Language Learning   |   45 min   | B1-26
Nontraditional Education
Nontraditional Education
It’s time to put your thinking cap on! In this lesson, students will explore the benefits and drawbacks of traditional and nontraditional education. The lesson features a video discussing the schooling trend of "unschooling," where kids can learn however and whenever they want. Students will learn and practice the use of prefixes, idioms associated with education, and related vocabulary. The lesson includes plenty of engaging discussion activities and worksheets developed for both adult and teenage learners, providing a dynamic and thought-provoking learning experience.
C1 Advanced   |   General English, Speaking Lessons   |   Video   |   Education   |   45 min   | C1-26

In English grammar, understanding prefixes is vital for expanding vocabulary and grasping the meanings of new words. Prefixes, which are consistent in use across both British and American English, are added to the beginning of words to change their meanings. Here's a straightforward guide to understanding and using prefixes:

  • What are Prefixes?: Prefixes are groups of letters placed before the root of a word to modify its meaning. They can indicate negation, location, number, or a variety of other meanings.

  • Common Prefixes and Their Meanings:

    1. 'Un-' indicates negation or reversal, as in "unhappy" (not happy) or "undo" (reverse the action).
    2. 'Re-' suggests repetition, like "rewrite" (write again) or "rebuild" (build again).
    3. 'Dis-', 'Mis-', and 'Non-' also imply negation or opposite, as in "disagree" (not agree), "misuse" (use wrongly), and "nonprofit" (not for profit).
    4. 'Pre-' and 'Post-' denote time, with "prewar" (before the war) and "postgame" (after the game).
    5. 'Sub-' and 'Super-' relate to position or rank, as in "submarine" (under the sea) and "superhero" (above a hero).

  • Creating New Words with Prefixes: Prefixes are used to create new words in English, enhancing the language's expressiveness and precision. For example, adding 'anti-' to form "antibacterial" (against bacteria).

  • Changing Word Class with Prefixes: Some prefixes can change the word class, like 'en-' transforming the noun "slave" into the verb "enslave."

  • Enhancing Vocabulary and Comprehension: Understanding common prefixes helps in deciphering the meanings of new words and enhances vocabulary. It’s particularly useful in academic and professional settings.

  • Prefixes in Derivational Morphology: Prefixes play a crucial role in derivational morphology, where they change the meaning or part of speech of the original words, contributing significantly to the flexibility and richness of English.

Mastering the use of prefixes is an essential skill in English, allowing for a deeper understanding of language and the creation of a wide array of words. Their proper usage is fundamental in both spoken and written English, enriching communication and comprehension.