Common Prefixes & Suffixes

Free sample questions, a clear explanation, and 5 practice skills with an AI tutor that guides without giving the answer away.

Super Word Builders: The Magic of Prefixes & Suffixes!

Hello, Super Star! Have you ever built with LEGOs? You start with a basic block, right? Then you can add a spinning propeller on top or cool wheels on the bottom to change it into something new, like a helicopter or a race car! Words work the exact same way.

The main word is called a base word (like your main LEGO block). The special parts we add to the beginning or end are called prefixes and suffixes. They are super powerful word parts that change the meaning of the base word!

Meet the Prefixes: The Word Starters!

A prefix is a word part that we add to the beginning of a base word. Think of it as a special hat that gives the word a new power!

The prefix un- means "not." So, happy becomes unhappy (not happy).
The prefix re- means "again." So, read becomes reread (read again).
The prefix pre- means "before." So, view becomes preview (view before).

Meet the Suffixes: The Word Enders!

A suffix is a word part that we add to the end of a base word. This is like adding a cool cape or jetpack to finish your creation!

The suffix -ful means "full of." So, help becomes helpful (full of help).
The suffix -less means "without." So, fear becomes fearless (without fear).
The suffixes -er and -est help us compare things. Tall becomes taller (more tall) and tallest (the most tall).

Key Takeaway!

A prefix comes at the beginning. A suffix comes at the end. Both are word-changing superheroes!

Think Like a Word Scientist!

Here's a fun puzzle! How does adding -er change the word teach? And how is that different from adding -er to the word fast?

When we add -er to teach, we get teacher—a person who teaches! It changes the word from an action to a person. But when we add -er to fast, we get faster, which means "more fast." It just changes the meaning. Wow! One little suffix can do two totally different jobs. Keep your eyes open for these amazing word parts everywhere you read!

Sample questions

1. What is the prefix in the word "unhappy"?

○ happy

✓ un-

○ -py

○ uh

Answer: un- — A prefix comes at the beginning of a word and changes its meaning. 'Un-' means not.

2. Which part of the word "careful" is the suffix?

○ care

○ car

✓ -ful

○ full

Answer: -ful — A suffix comes at the end of a word and changes its meaning. '-Ful' means full of.

3. Look at the word "reread". What is the prefix?

✓ re-

○ read

○ red

○ -ad

Answer: re- — The prefix 're-' means to do something again.

Skills in this topic

Identify common prefixes (e.g., un-, re-, pre-) and suffixes (e.g., -ful, -less, -er, -est) in given words.
Determine the meaning of a word by analyzing its base word and common prefixes/suffixes.
Form new words by adding appropriate prefixes or suffixes to base words.
Use context clues to confirm the meaning of words with prefixes and suffixes in sentences.
Debate how adding a prefix or suffix can completely change the meaning or grammatical function of a base word, providing examples.

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