How do I use negative prefixes?
Which sentence is correct in each pair?
1 a) The coach driver was very unpolite and unfriendly.
b) The coach driver was very impolite and unfriendly.
b) The coach driver was very impolite and unfriendly.
2 a) In fact the whole tour was quite dissatisfactory.
2 a) In fact the whole tour was quite dissatisfactory.
b) In fact the whole tour was quite unsatisfactory.
These prefixes give words a negative meaning: un-, im-, dis, mis- and non-.
The most common prefix is un-. Some words taking un- are:
unavailable, uncomfortable, unconditional, unconscious, unconvincing, undemanding, undoubtedly, unforgettable, unforgivable, unlimited, unnecessary, unoccupied, unpolluted, unprejudiced, unsatisfactory, unscheduled
in-is also a commonly-used prefix. Words taking in- are:
inadequate, inadvisable, inappropriate, incapable, incompetent, incomplete, inconvenient, ineffective, inexcusable, inexpensive, inexperienced, insecure, insufficient, intolerable
We use im- before words beginning with p and m:
impolite, impossible, impractical, improper, immature.
Words taking non- are: non-existent, non-native
Words taking mis- are: mislead, misunderstand
Words taking dis- are: discourage, disobedient, disorganised, dissatisfied.
We say unsatisfactory (adj), but dissatisfaction (noun) and dissatisfied (adj).
Complete each sentence with a negative form of the word in brackets.
- The College canteen is
_____
inadequate
and needs to be improved. (adequate)
- You
_____
misunderstood
my meaning or you wouldn't have taken offence. (understand)
- I don't accept that my behaviour was in any way
_____
improper
(proper)
- I'm writing to express my
_____
dissatisfaction
with your firm. (satisfy)
- We're most unhappy with the
_____
unsatisfactory
service you provided. (satisfy)
- I'm afraid your report is
_____
incomplete
. (complete)
- For a
_____
non-native
speaker your pronunciation is excellent. (native)
- Thank you for a(n)
_____
unforgettable
holiday. (forget)