Negative statements are the opposite of affirmative statements. In English, one way to make negative statements is by adding negative prefixes to nouns, adjectives, and verbs.

Here are some English negative prefixes:

For example, the prefix un- can be attached to the adjective happy to create the negative adjective unhappy.

Or you can use the negative adverb not.

Note that there is no difference in meaning between these two forms.

Words that take a– as a negative prefix always begin with a consonant.

Words that take dis– as a negative prefix may begin with a vowel or a consonant.

Words that take il– as a negative prefix always begin with the letter l.

Words that take im– as a negative prefix always begin with the letter m or p.

Words that take in– as a negative prefix can begin with a vowel (except i or u) or a consonant.

Note: There are many words that begin with in– that are not words with a negative prefix. For example:

Words that take ir– as a negative prefix always begin with the letter r.

Words that take non– as a negative prefix may begin with a vowel or a consonant.

Words that take un– as a negative prefix may begin with a vowel or consonant.

Remember, not all words that appear to have a negative prefix are negative.

word		does not mean
alike		~~not like~~
discuss		~~not cuss~~
universe		~~not iverse~~
illuminate		~~not luminate~~
important		~~not portant~~
involve		~~not volve~~
irrigate		~~not rigate~~ lawlessenglish.com Exercise 1 Exercise 2 Exercise 3