1.2.2

Not & 'Inter-'

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Ways of Saying 'Not"

Prefixes are letters or words placed at the start of words which change their meaning. The prefix 'in-' means 'not'. Let's look at some rules for using the prefix 'in'...

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‘In-’

  • ‘In-’ means ‘not’.
  • For example:
    • Inactive - not active.
    • Incorrect - not correct.
    • Insane - not sane.
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'Il-'

  • But a word starting ‘l’ will become ‘-il’ (instead of –in).
  • For example:
    • Illegal - not legal.
    • Illegible - not legible or readable.
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'Im-'

  • If a word starts with ‘m’ or 'p', use '–im' (instead of –in).
  • For example:
    • Immature - not mature.
    • Imperfect - not perfect.
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'Ir-'

  • If a root word starts with ‘r’, use ‘ir’ (instead of – in).
  • For example:
    • Irregular - not regular.
    • Irresponsible - not responsible.

'Inter-' Means Between or Among

Prefixes are letters or words placed at the start of words which change their meaning. The prefix 'inter-' means 'between' or 'among'. Let's look at some words beginning with 'inter'...

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Intercity

  • Intercity means travelling between cities.
    • For example, an intercity train goes between cities.
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International

  • Something that is international involves more than one nation. So something 'between' or 'among' nations.
    • For example, an international sporting competition is between different countries.
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Interval

  • An interval is a time period between things.
    • For example, an interval between acts at the theatre.
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Interact

  • To interact means to talk among people.

Jump to other topics

1Spelling

2Punctuation

3Grammar

3.1Word Classes

3.2Conjunctions

3.3Writing Coherently

3.4Verbs

3.5Modal Verbs

3.6Phrasal Verbs

3.7Subjunctive Verbs

3.8Sentences

3.9Tenses

3.10Adverbials

3.11Language Techniques

4Decoding Words

5Reading & Writing

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