Negative prefixes

Pattern Tips

1. ✅ Use “un-“ with many adjectives and verbs:

   • unhappy, uncertain, undo, unlock

2. ✅ Use “in-“ with Latin-based words:

   • invisible, incomplete, inaccurate

3. ✅ Spelling decides the form:

   • Use “im-“ before m, p:
     impossible, impatient, impolite, immature

   • Use “il-“ before l:
     illegal, illegible

   • Use “ir-“ before r:
     irregular, irresponsible

4. ✅ Use “dis-“ for the opposite of actions or opinions:

   • disagree, disconnect, dislike, disapprove

5. ✅ “non-“ often sounds more formal or technical:

   • non-verbal, non-traditional, non-toxic

📝 Mixed Practice: Fill in the gaps with the correct negative adjective

1. The results of the experiment were completely __________.
   (accurate)

2. I felt really __________ in that cold waiting room.
   (comfortable)

3. The instructions were __________ and hard to understand.
   (clear)

4. He’s __________ to join us — he said he has other plans.
   (willing)

5. I didn’t get the job because they thought I was __________.
   (experienced)

6. It’s __________ to drive without a seatbelt.
   (safe)

7. The idea seemed __________ at first, but it worked!
   (believable)

8. His response was __________ — it had nothing to do with the topic.
   (relevant)

9. That’s __________! You’ve already had two turns.
   (fair)

10. She made several __________ decisions today.
    (logical)

11. The food was __________, so we sent it back.
    (acceptable)

12. We waited 30 minutes, which was really __________.
    (convenient)

13. I’m feeling a bit __________ about the presentation tomorrow.
    (certain)

14. I think this amount of water is __________ for three people.
    (sufficient)

15. The furniture was __________, so we couldn’t use it again.
    (replaceable)

16. It’s __________ to expect them to work without pay.
    (reasonable)

17. She was __________ about the meeting and missed it.
    (aware)

18. Your tone sounded a bit __________. Maybe try again?
    (friendly)

19. We were __________ to see how much he had changed.
    (prepared)

20. The whole situation was __________ — nobody saw it coming.
    (expected)

21. He’s quite __________ in group settings and prefers to stay quiet.
    (secure)

22. This website is __________ from our school network.
    (accessible)

23. She always gives __________ answers — she needs to make a decision.
    (decisive)

24. The design was too __________ to be considered modern.
    (usual)

25. The article was __________ and poorly written.
    (professional)

Negative prefixes practice Twee platform

Speaking Questions: Add the Correct Negative Prefix

1. What is something you find __________possible to do?

2. Have you ever met someone who was really __________polite? What happened?

3. When was the last time you felt __________happy?

4. Do you think it’s __________legal to download movies from the internet?

5. What’s something you personally __________agree with, even if most people support it?

6. Have you ever received __________correct information that caused a problem?

7. Can you think of a situation when someone was __________mature in your opinion?

8. What makes a person seem __________friendly to you?

9. Do you often feel __________certain when making big decisions?

10. What kind of behavior do you find __________respectful?

11. Do you think it’s okay to be a bit __________patient sometimes? Why or why not?

12. What’s something that people usually __________understand about you?

13. Do you ever feel __________motivated? What do you do about it?

14. Is it okay to be a little __________perfect or break the rules sometimes?

15. Have you ever felt like someone was __________fair to you? What did you do?

16. What’s something you think is __________necessary in modern life?

17. Have you ever used a __________verbal way to communicate with someone?

Can you explain these words in English?

unreliable, illogical, inappropriate, unemployed, unexpected, unreasonable, inflexible, unwilling, illegitimate, inadequate, uncertain, impatient, irreplaceable, insignificant, impossible, impolite, unaware, inefficient, ungrateful, indirect, inactive, invalid, immature, inconsistent, ineffective