Use the Prefixes in-, il-, ir-

We can use prefixes and suffixes to change the meaning of some words.  

We call the original word a root word.

 

Prefixes go at the start of words. 

For example: un + kind = unkind. 

The prefix un means not.  When we add it to the root word kind we create its opposite.

 

Suffixes go at the end of words.

For example: cheer + ful = cheerful

The suffix ful turns a noun (naming word) into an adjective (describing word).

 

 

In this activity, we will look at the use of the prefixes in-, il- and ir- (im- has a similar meaning, but we will  practise this in another activity).

 

In-, il- and ir- can mean 'not' and 'in' or 'into'. 

In this activity, we will look at words where they mean 'not'.  

 

With these prefixes, we do not have to change the spelling of the root word. 

However, we do have to remember the different root words that use each of the prefixes.

 

When the root word begins with 'l': il-

When the root word begins with 'm' or 'p': im-

When the root word begins with 'r': ir-

When the root word begins with another letter: in-

 

 

That's a lot to remember, but it will become easier with practice!

 

Here are some examples of words that use these prefixes

inactive

incorrect

illegal

illegible

irregular

irresponsible

 

You can listen to them here:

 

You can break the words up into the prefix and the root word to help you to spell them:

in active

in correct

il legal

il legible

ir regular

ir responsible

 

We can use Look, Say, Cover, Write, Check to practise spelling them a few times before we begin the activity.