lesson
Notice how prefixes change
1 · Learn
The prefix in- can mean not, as in inactive. Its form changes in some words: illegal uses il-, impossible uses im-, and irregular uses ir-.
Look closely at the root and the accepted spelling. Do not attach one prefix to every word: unkind is usual, not inkind. Read and check real examples.
2 · Worked example
I add im- to possible to make impossible. Keep the root possible intact: the finished word has one p and two s letters.
3 · Your turn
Choose the correct words: inlegal or illegal; imregular or irregular.
Check your answer
Illegal and irregular.
4 · Apply your learning
Use a dictionary to check four negative-prefix words. Write a sentence showing each meaning, then practise spelling it from memory.
Adult guidance and safety
Read and discuss whole books, poems and plays alongside these original short models. Give evidence for interpretations and accept well-supported alternatives. Revisit spelling and handwriting over time; retain individual decoding support where needed.
Open your writing and drawing pad
Write, draw or show your working. Use a mouse, pen or finger. This pad is not a submitted answer.
Not saved to your account. Download your drawing as PNG and your typed notes as TXT before leaving or refreshing. They are separate files. Do not enter private information.
Open a picture saved on this device to draw on it again. Opening replaces the drawing, but Undo can restore it. PNG only, up to 4 MB and 4096 × 4096 pixels. The picture stays in this browser; it is not uploaded. Paper lines in a saved picture become part of that picture.
Clear the drawing? Your typed notes will stay. You can undo this action.
Your pad is empty.
Open a UTF-8 TXT file from this device, up to 40 KB and 10,000 characters. It stays in this browser. Opening can be undone until you type again. Downloads keep a new copy; they do not change the file you opened.
Replace the notes on this page with the opened file? Download the current notes first if you want to keep them.
Typed notes are not submitted answers.
Practice this lesson
Lesson resources
Browse the available practice activities and worksheets for this lesson.
Your progress