Use the Prefixes in-, im-.

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- and im- (il- and ir- have similar meanings and can be practised in another activity).

 

In-, im- 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-

 

 

Confused? Don't worry, it will become clearer with practice.

 

Here are some examples of words that use these prefixes:

inactive

incorrect

immature

immortal

impossible

impatient

 

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

im mature

im mortal

im possible

im patient

 

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