Prefixes
A prefix is added to the front of a word to change its meaning, and the word behind it never changes its spelling. That is what produces double letters like the two s's in "misspell" - mis- plus spell.
Example words
- unhappy
- undo
- disagree
- disappear
- misbehave
- misspell
- redo
- preview
- impossible
- irregular
- illegal
- incorrect
When it's taught
From the National Curriculum for England (English Appendix 1):
Y1The prefix un-
Examples: unhappy, undo, unload
Y3 / 4More prefixes: dis-, mis-, in-, il-, im-, ir-, re-, sub-, inter-, super-, anti-, auto-
Examples: disappoint, misbehave, incorrect, illegal, immature, irregular
Practise this pattern
Dictation sentences
Read each one aloud and ask your child to write it down.
- It is impossible to disagree with you.
- Please don't misspell your own name.
- The magician made the rabbit disappear.
Quick check
Can they spell these without help?
- unnecessary
- misspell
- disappear
- irregular
Keep going
- Year 1 spelling words - the statutory list with a free worksheet
- Year 3 and 4 spelling words - the statutory list with a free worksheet
- Printable spelling test sheet - for writing the words on paper
- Practise in Spelling.Live - add these words as a list, take a Skills Check, or play games built from them
Teaching this pattern
A short lesson idea with a starter, an activity, dictation sentences and words to check.DRAFT
Teaching guide