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Year 1 - Prefix un

Prefixes can change what a word means. In this quiz, you will practise adding un to words to make their meaning change.

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Fascinating Fact:

Happy becomes unhappy, which means not happy.

In KS1 spelling, a prefix is a group of letters added to the start of a word. The prefix un often means not, or the opposite, so it can change the meaning quickly.

Key Terms

Prefix: Letters added to the start of a word to change its meaning.
Meaning: What a word tells you, or what it stands for.
Opposite: The reverse of something, like open and closed.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

What does the prefix un mean in Year 1 spelling?

In Year 1 spelling, the prefix un is often used to mean not, or the opposite. It goes at the start of a word, like unkind or unfair.

How do you use un in a word?

You add un to the beginning of a word, with no space. The new word is still one word, such as unlock, untidy, or unsure.

Do all words work if you add un to the start?

No, not every word makes sense with un. It works best with words where it creates a real opposite or a clear not meaning, like tidy and untidy.

Try These Related Quizzes

1 .

Spell the missing word: That was very ____ of you.

unkined

uncind

uncined

unkind

Another word for unkind is mean.

2 .

Spell the missing word: It was too hard and so he was ____ to finish the test.

unable

unaible

unayble

unaball

In England, during our final years at school we sit tests called GCSEs.

3 .

You need a key to ____ that padlock.

unlock

unloc

unlok

inlock

If you fix locks you are called a locksmith.

4 .

If you do something up, I now want you to do the opposite, so you need to ____ it.

indo

undo

undoo

undid

All you need to do is write the prefix 'un' before the word 'do'.

5 .

Spell the missing word: I'm feeling a bit ____.

unwell

unwel

unwrell

unwele

If you feel sick when in a car, on a train or plane - this is called motion sickness.

6 .

Spell the missing word: I'm so ____.

infit

unfitt

unfit

anfit

Being unfit makes you gain weight and is bad for your health.

7 .

If you load the dishwasher, I now want you to do the opposite, so you need to ____ the dishwasher.

inload

outload

unload

unlood

The word 'load' stays the same and the spelling stays the same - all you need to do is add 'un' to the beginning.

8 .

Spell the missing word: Have you ____ your top button?

undon

undone

undun

undown

When we are full up, we sometimes undo our top button to stop it pushing into our growing bellies!

9 .

Spell the missing word: Please will you help me ____ my coat?

unzip

unzipp

unzep

unzepp

You wouldn't say 'Please would you help me not zip my coat'.

10 .

You didn't play fair, so that was ____ of you.

unfar

unfai

unfair

unfare

The word 'fair' stays the same - this is called the root word. Imagine a tree with roots, it stays there and doesn't move, just like these root words.

You can find more about this topic by visiting BBC Bitesize - Spelling

Author: Finola Waller (MEd, Primary School Teacher & KS1 English Quiz Writer)