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.


  1. The College canteen is
    _____
    inadequate
    and needs to be improved. (adequate)
  2. You
    _____
    misunderstood
    my meaning or you wouldn't have taken offence. (understand)
  3. I don't accept that my behaviour was in any way
    _____
    improper
    (proper)
  4. I'm writing to express my
    _____
    dissatisfaction
    with your firm. (satisfy)
  5. We're most unhappy with the
    _____
    unsatisfactory
    service you provided. (satisfy)
  6. I'm afraid your report is
    _____
    incomplete
    . (complete)
  7. For a
    _____
    non-native
    speaker your pronunciation is excellent. (native)
  8. Thank you for a(n)
    _____
    unforgettable
    holiday. (forget)