Using hyphens to join prefixes to root words | Exit Quiz | Oak National Academy

Match these prefixes to the appropriate root words.

• pre-

• girlfriend

• self-

• centred

• ex-

• negotiable

• non-

• existing

Answer explanation

The words 'non-negotiable', 'self-centred', 'ex-girlfriend' and 'pre-existing' all use hyphens to join the prefix to the root word. A hyphen can join a prefix to a root word to avoid ambiguity in meaning or spelling.

Select the statements about prefixes which are correct.

• A prefix almost always alters the spelling of a root word.

• A prefix is added to the start of a root word to change its meaning.

• A prefix is added to the end of a root word to change its meaning.

• A prefix can sometimes be joined to a root word with a hyphen.

• A prefix is always joined to a root word with a hyphen.

Answer explanation

A prefix is added to the start of a root word to change its meaning. Sometimes they can be joined with a hyphen, such as in 'pre-exist' and 'co-author', but sometimes they are not, such as in 'recoil' and 'antisocial'.

Fill in the gap in the following sentence: 'Luca decided to __________ from his position on the school council to focus on other activities.'

• re-sign

• resign

• re-cover

• recover

Answer explanation

Some pairs of words have the same spelling, but they have a different meaning when a hyphen is used. 'Re-sign' means to sign again. 'Resign' means to leave or quit.

Fill in the gap in the following sentence: 'Dad decided to __________ the old chair with a bright, new fabric to make it look brand new.'

• re-sign

• resign

• re-cover

• recover

Answer explanation

Some pairs of words have the same spelling, but they have a different meaning when a hyphen is used. 'Re-cover' means to cover something again after it has been done before. 'Recover' means to return to a normal state of health.

Select the words where a hyphen could be used to separate two vowels next to each other.

• coauthor

• redo

• reenter

• cohabit

Answer explanation

Putting a hyphen after the prefix in the words 'co-author' and 're-enter' helps us to read the word, otherwise we might find it difficult to pronounce the word correctly.

Correct the spelling of the word in bold in the following sentence: 'He had a tendency to exadgerate a story to make people laugh.'

Answer explanation

The correct spelling is 'exaggerate'. The word contains the prefix ex- but no obvious root word. The double 'gg' makes a /j/ sound. This is a curriculum word and it is useful to remember in our reading and writing.