KS3 English Quiz: Learn and Identify Common Prefixes

English Quiz - Prefixes 02 (Questions)

Prefixes change meaning at the start of words. In this KS3 English quiz, practise mis-, re-, un- and anti-, and see how prefixes affect spelling, grammar, and clarity.

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Fascinating Fact:

Mis signals wrong or badly, misunderstand, misplace, and mishear all describe errors we make every day.

In KS3 English, you study how prefixes attach to the front of root words to adjust meaning. For example, re- suggests again (rebuild), un- means not (unfair), and anti- shows against (antibacterial). Spotting prefixes helps you decode unfamiliar vocabulary.

Key Terms

Prefix: Letters added to the start of a word to change its meaning, such as mis-, re-, or un-.
Root word: The base word that carries the main meaning, for example place in misplace.
Derivation: Forming a new word by adding a prefix or suffix, like fair to unfair.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

What does the prefix mis- mean in English?

The prefix mis- means wrong or badly. Examples include misunderstand (understand wrongly), misplace (place wrongly), and mishear (hear incorrectly).

Do prefixes change the spelling of the root word?

Usually the root spelling stays the same, but watch double letters (re + enter becomes re-enter) and hyphens that prevent confusion or awkward doubles.

How can prefixes help me work out meanings in exams?

Knowing common prefixes lets you infer meanings quickly. If you know anti- means against, then antifreeze is something that prevents freezing.

Try These Related Quizzes

Select the correct prefix for the following word.
.......appoint

[ ]	Dis-
[ ]	In-
[ ]	Per-
[ ]	Un-

Select the correct prefix for the following word.
.......happy

[ ]	Dis-
[ ]	In-
[ ]	Re-
[ ]	Un-

Select the correct prefix for the following word.
.......take

[ ]	Dis-
[ ]	Mis-
[ ]	Pre-
[ ]	Un-

Select the correct prefix for the following word.
.......arrange

[ ]	In-
[ ]	Pre-
[ ]	Tele-
[ ]	Un-

Select the correct prefix for the following word.
.......allow

[ ]	Dis-
[ ]	In-
[ ]	Mis-
[ ]	Un-

Select the correct prefix for the following word.
.......continue

[ ]	Dis-
[ ]	In-
[ ]	Re-
[ ]	Un-

Select the correct prefix for the following word.
.......real

[ ]	Dis-
[ ]	In-
[ ]	Mis-
[ ]	Un-

Select the correct prefix for the following word.
.......represent

[ ]	Dis-
[ ]	In-
[ ]	Mis-
[ ]	Un-

Select the correct prefix for the following word.
.......usual

[ ]	In-
[ ]	Pre-
[ ]	Re-
[ ]	Un-

10.

Select the correct prefix for the following word.
.......fair

[ ]	Mis-
[ ]	Per-
[ ]	Re-
[ ]	Un-

English Quiz - Prefixes 02 (Answers)

Select the correct prefix for the following word.
.......appoint

[x]	Dis-
[ ]	In-
[ ]	Per-
[ ]	Un-

To "disappoint" means to not fulfil expectations

Select the correct prefix for the following word.
.......happy

[ ]	Dis-
[ ]	In-
[ ]	Re-
[x]	Un-

Un-, dis- and mis- are often negative prefixes

Select the correct prefix for the following word.
.......take

[ ]	Dis-
[x]	Mis-
[ ]	Pre-
[ ]	Un-

"Mistake" can be used as a noun or verb. Interestingly, the word "unmistakable" has two prefixes in it: un- and mis-

Select the correct prefix for the following word.
.......arrange

[ ]	In-
[x]	Pre-
[ ]	Tele-
[ ]	Un-

To "prearrange" means to arrange in advance

Select the correct prefix for the following word.
.......allow

[x]	Dis-
[ ]	In-
[ ]	Mis-
[ ]	Un-

To "disallow" means to refuse to allow

Select the correct prefix for the following word.
.......continue

[x]	Dis-
[ ]	In-
[ ]	Re-
[ ]	Un-

To "discontinue" means to stop

Select the correct prefix for the following word.
.......real

[ ]	Dis-
[ ]	In-
[ ]	Mis-
[x]	Un-

Adding the prefix un- makes the opposite meaning of "real"

Select the correct prefix for the following word.
.......represent

[ ]	Dis-
[ ]	In-
[x]	Mis-
[ ]	Un-

To "misrepresent" means to give a false account of something