Grammar tips | ||
Prefixes – “un-” x “dis-” x “mis-” | ||
These three prefixes are commonly confused. They all seem to be referring to the concept of “not”, but this negative reference has variations. See below. | ||
Un- | ||
“un-” is a prefix that makes a word negative by creating a sense of the opposite of its original meaning. | ||
| ||
Dis- | ||
“dis-” when used as a prefix has the sense of “taking something away” or “removing”. | ||
| ||
| ||
Comparison: | ||
- “Whenever I go to a French restaurant, I am always unsatisfied with the quantity of food served in my dish.” | ||
| ||
- “When I went to the local French restaurant, I was extremely dissatisfied with the dish I was served.” | ||
| ||
| ||
Mis- | ||
“mis-” has the sense of “incorrect/wrong”. | ||
| ||
| ||
Remember, in English writing, it is always important to pay attention to detail! | ||
Stay tuned for more grammar tips in the next CACD English Newsletter! | ||