Question 1

Which negative prefixes are tested at medium level?

Accepted Answer

Negative prefixes medium tests un-, in-, im-, il-, ir-, dis- and mis-. Some choices are linked to spelling, such as im- before words beginning with p, b or m, il- before l, and ir- before r. Other choices depend on the word family. The page also contrasts simple opposite meanings with mis- forms that mean wrongly or badly. This makes it useful for B2 learners who already know un- and dis- but need a wider range. Always test the completed answer in the full sentence.

Question 2

What is the difference between mis- and other negative prefixes?

Accepted Answer

Mis- often means that something is done wrongly, badly or in the wrong way. Misunderstand means understand wrongly, and misplace means put something in the wrong place. This is different from prefixes such as un-, in- or im-, which often mean not or opposite. The sentence should show whether the idea is wrong action or simple negative meaning. If the context describes an error, confusion or incorrect action, mis- may be more likely than a straightforward opposite prefix. Always test the completed answer in the full sentence.

Question 3

How can spelling help with in-, im-, il- and ir-?

Accepted Answer

Spelling can give a useful clue, although it is not the whole answer. Im- often appears before p, b or m, as in impossible or imbalance. Il- appears before l, as in illegal, and ir- appears before r, as in irresponsible. In- appears in many other cases, such as incomplete. Use spelling as a first clue, then check that the completed word is natural and that the sentence needs a negative meaning. The final answer must satisfy both form and context.

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