Chapter 12 - B1 English Grammar – Word Formation: Prefixes, Suffixes, and Derivations – Ex 12
Word formation helps you expand your vocabulary by understanding how words are built. At B1 level, you must use prefixes (un-, re-, dis-), suffixes (-er, -tion, -able, -less), and root words correctly, and avoid false friends that look like words in your language but mean something different.
Common Prefixes
- un- = not (unhappy, unlock)
- re- = again (rewrite, return)
- dis- = not/opposite (disagree, disappear)
- pre- = before (preview, prehistoric)
- mis- = wrongly (misunderstand, misplace)
- in-/im-/il-/ir- = not (inactive, impossible, illegal, irresponsible)
Key tip: Prefixes usually **don’t change the word class**—they only change the meaning.
Common Suffixes
- -er / -or / -ist = person (teacher, actor, artist)
- -tion / -sion = action/result (decision, explosion)
- -ment = result (agreement, development)
- -ness = state (happiness, darkness)
- -able / -ible = can be done (comfortable, visible)
- -ful / -less = full of / without (hopeful, hopeless)
Note: Suffixes often **change the word class** (e.g., verb → noun).
Changing Word Class and Avoiding False Friends
Verb → Noun:
decide → decision
create → creation
Adjective → Adverb:
quick → quickly
happy → happily
False Friends:
actual ≠ actual (es)
assist ≠ asistir (es)
parent ≠ pariente (es)
Root Words:
act → action, active, actor
spect → inspect, respect
How Words Are Built:
Prefix = Meaning Change
Suffix = Word Class Change
Root = Core Meaning
False Friends = Trap!
correct “She gave me some useful advice.”
incorrect “She gave me an advise.” (advise = verb)
How This Quiz Works
- 20 questions randomly selected from a pool of 50
- Tests prefixes, suffixes, word class changes, roots, and false friends
- Hints guide you without giving the answer
- Immediate feedback with specific explanations
- Click “Check Answers” to see the full answer key
- “Change Questions” gives you a new quiz
B1 Word Formation Quiz (20 Questions)
Answer Key with Explanations