This document discusses prefixes and suffixes, providing examples of common ones. It explains that prefixes are added to the beginning of words and change the meaning but not the part of speech, while suffixes are added to the end and change the part of speech but not the meaning. Knowing prefixes and suffixes can help with vocabulary, understanding new words, grammar, and writing by learning how word forms are used differently in sentences. The document encourages practicing prefixes and suffixes on the class website.

1. Prefixes
and
Suffixes
• What are they?
• Examples of common
prefixes and suffixes

2. prefix
• A prefix is a group of letters
added to the beginning of a word.
• A prefix changes the meaning of
the word, but NOT the part of
speech.

3. UN is a prefix that means “not.”
It changes the meaning of a word to
the opposite.
*However, the part of speech has
not changed. happy is an
adjective, and unhappy remains an
adjective.

4. MIS is a prefix that means “bad or
wrong.” It changes the meaning of a
word to a negative one.
*However, the part of speech has
not changed. behave is a verb, and
misbehave remains a verb.

5. suffix
• A suffix is a group of letters
added to the end of a word.
• A suffix changes the part of
speech of the word, but NOT the
meaning.

6. -NESS is a suffix that changes an
adjective to a noun.
*The meaning has not really changed here.
Instead, the different word forms are
used differently in sentences
I am happy. (happy = adjective)
Happiness is important in life. (happiness = noun)

7. -FUL is a suffix that changes a
noun or verb to an adjective.
*The meaning has not really changed here.
Instead, the different word forms are
used differently in sentences
I want peace for this world. (peace = noun)
This beach is so peaceful. (peaceful= adjective)

8. Why is it important to learn
prefixes and suffixes?
• Knowing prefixes can help you
analyze and understand the
meaning of new words. It can
help expand your vocabulary.
• Knowing suffixes and learning
how to use different word forms
will help your grammar and
writing.

9. Practice:
Go to our class website to get more
practice with prefixes and suffixes.
Remember . . .