Shop
Grade workbooks
Classroom · Grammar · 4th grade
Prefixes worksheets
A free five-page pack: learn the rule with pictures, then sort words, find them in sentences and use them in writing, with an answer key.
Watch it solved
46 sec · with voice and captionsA pencil works one example of each activity, so you can see how the worksheet goes before you print it. Tap a step to jump to it. The rest of the sheet is left for your child to finish.
Read what the video says
- 0:00 Let's practice prefixes, step by step.
- 0:03 A prefix goes at the start of a word and changes its meaning: un- and dis- mean not, re- means again, pre- before, mis- wrongly. For example: I reread the story because I misread a word.
- 0:17 Look and say: unlock, unpack, reread.
- 0:21 Read each word, and write it in the right box. Misread goes in the wrongly box.
- 0:27 Read each sentence. Circle the word with a prefix. I misplaced my keys.
- 0:33 Add un-, re-, pre- or mis- to make a word that matches the meaning. Not happy is unhappy
- 0:40 Great job! Now print the free worksheet, and finish the rest on your own.
The rule
The ruleA prefix goes at the start of a word and changes its meaning: un- and dis- mean not, re- means again, pre- before, mis- wrongly.
I reread the story because I misread a word.
Look and say
- unlockopen the lock
- unpacktake things out
- rereadread again
- refillfill again
- preheatheat before
- dislikenot like
- misspellspell wrongly
- disappeargo out of sight
Try some
I misplaced my keys.I misplaced my keys.Show answer
It is unsafe to run here.It is unsafe to run here.Show answer
Please reread the story.Please reread the story.Show answer
Preheat the oven first.Preheat the oven first.Show answer
We disagree about the game.We disagree about the game.Show answer
The coin will disappear.The coin will disappear.Show answer
Let's replay the game.Let's replay the game.Show answer
That rule is unfair.That rule is unfair.Show answer
Find the words in each sentence, then tap to check.
What the worksheets look like
Common questions
What are prefixes?
A prefix goes at the start of a word and changes its meaning: un- and dis- mean not, re- means again, pre- before, mis- wrongly.
How do I teach prefixes?
Cover the prefix with a finger and read the base word, then uncover it and ask what changed. Knowing a dozen prefixes helps children work out hundreds of new words.
What mistake should I watch for?
Thinking every word that starts with these letters has a prefix, as in uncle or reach. If no base word is left after you take the letters away, it is not a prefix.
What grade learns prefixes?
Usually 4th grade. In the Common Core it is part of L.4.4b.
