Prefixes and suffixes worksheet for learning word formation in English grammar.

Let’s solve each sentence by adding the correct prefix or suffix to the word in brackets. We’ll use the list provided at the top of the worksheet to help us choose.

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1. I look _______________ [for] to going to the amusement park.

We need a word that means “excitedly waiting for something.”
The root is “for” — if we add the prefix look forward to, but wait — “forward” isn’t on the list. Let’s check:
Actually, “look forward to” is a phrase, but here the blank is after “look”, and the root given is “[for]”.
Wait — maybe it’s “look forward” — but “forward” isn’t built from “for” + suffix? Hmm.

Hold on — let’s re-read: The instruction says “Add a prefix or suffix to the root word in the brackets”.

So for #1: root = “for” → what can we add to “for” to make a word that fits?

Looking at the table:

Prefixes: dis-, un-, semi-, anti-, in-, fore-, mid-, inter-
Suffixes: -ward, -ed, -ly, -ish, -hood, -er, -tion

Ah! “fore-” is a prefix. So “fore” + “for”? No — that doesn’t work.

Wait — maybe it’s “look forward” — and “forward” comes from “for” + “ward”? Yes! “For” + “ward” = “forward”.

And “look forward to” is the correct phrase meaning excited anticipation.

✔ So answer: forward

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2. My favorite iPad cover is _______________ [purple].

Root: “purple” — we want to describe the color more specifically? Or maybe turn it into an adjective describing the cover?

But “purple” is already an adjective. Maybe we add a suffix to make it mean “somewhat purple” or “like purple”?

Look at suffixes: -ish → “purplish” means somewhat purple or having a purple tint.

That makes sense — maybe the cover isn’t pure purple, but purplish.

✔ Answer: purplish

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3. Please draw a _______________ [circle].

Root: “circle” — we need a shape related to circle.

Suffixes: -ish? “circlish”? Not really a word.

What about “circular”? But “-ar” isn’t on the list.

Wait — look again: suffixes include “-ish”, “-ed”, “-ly”, etc.

Actually, “circle” + “-ish” = “circlish” — not standard.

Maybe “circular” isn’t an option. What else?

Wait — perhaps “circle” + “-ed”? “Circled”? That would be past tense verb — doesn’t fit.

Another idea: maybe “semi-circle”? “Semi-” is a prefix!

“Semi-” + “circle” = “semicircle” — which is half a circle. That’s a common thing to draw.

Yes! And “semi-” is in the prefix list.

✔ Answer: semicircle

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4. You can go _______________ [month] after you get your report card.

Root: “month” — we need a word meaning “after one month” or “monthly”?

Suffixes: -ly → “monthly” means every month.

But the sentence says “go ___ after you get your report card” — implying a time period.

“Month” + “-ly” = “monthly” — adverb meaning once per month.

But does “go monthly” make sense? Like “you can go monthly” — meaning you can go once a month?

Alternatively, maybe “next month”? But “next” isn’t a prefix/suffix on the list.

Wait — another possibility: “month” + “-s” = “months” — plural? But “-s” isn’t listed.

Look again: suffixes include “-er”, “-tion”, etc.

What about “monthly”? It’s commonly used.

“You can go monthly after you get your report card” — meaning you’re allowed to go once a month starting then.

It’s a bit awkward, but possible.

Wait — maybe “month” + “-ly” is the only logical choice.

Alternatively, think: “go [something] after...” — like “go later”, “go soon”, but those aren’t from “month”.

Another thought: “month” + “-s” = “months” — but again, “-s” not listed.

Wait — perhaps “monthly” is intended.

But let’s consider: maybe it’s “month” + “-ly” → “monthly” as an adverb.

Yes, I think that’s it.

✔ Answer: monthly

Wait — actually, rereading: “You can go _______________ [month] after you get your report card.”

If we put “monthly”, it becomes “You can go monthly after...” — which could mean “you can go (once) every month after...”

That works.

But let’s double-check if there’s a better fit.

What about “month” + “-s” = “months”? Then “go months after” — meaning wait several months? But “-s” isn’t in the suffix list.

The suffixes given are: -ward, -ed, -ly, -ish, -hood, -er, -tion

“-er” — “monther”? Not a word.

“-tion” — “montion”? No.

So “-ly” is the only viable suffix.

✔ Final decision: monthly

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5. The _______________ [brother] of knights was based on loyalty.

Root: “brother” — we need a word that describes a group or organization of brothers/knights.

Suffixes: -hood → “brotherhood” means a group of brothers or people united like brothers.

Perfect! “The brotherhood of knights” — yes, that’s a common phrase.

✔ Answer: brotherhood

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6. She acted _______________ [mother] when she helped her little sister.

Root: “mother” — we need an adverb to describe how she acted.

Suffixes: -ly → “motherly” means in the manner of a mother; caring, nurturing.

“She acted motherly” — yes, that fits perfectly.

✔ Answer: motherly

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Now, let’s compile all answers:

1. forward
2. purplish
3. semicircle
4. monthly
5. brotherhood
6. motherly

Double-checking each:

1. “look forward to” — correct phrase ✔
2. “purplish” — acceptable descriptive term ✔
3. “semicircle” — valid geometric term, uses prefix “semi-” ✔
4. “monthly” — adverb form, fits context ✔
5. “brotherhood” — correct noun for group of brothers/knights ✔
6. “motherly” — adverbial use, though technically “motherly” is an adjective, but often used adverbially in informal speech. Wait — is “motherly” an adverb?

Actually, “motherly” is primarily an adjective. To modify “acted”, we might expect an adverb like “motherly” — but English sometimes uses adjectives after verbs like “act”, “feel”, “seem”.

Example: “She acted kind.” (not “kindly”) — so “acted motherly” is acceptable in this context.

Alternatively, is there a suffix that makes an adverb? “-ly” is already used — “motherly” ends with “-ly”, so it functions as an adverb here.

Yes, it’s fine.

All answers are consistent with the prefix/suffix list and grammar.

Final Answer:

1. forward
2. purplish
3. semicircle
4. monthly
5. brotherhood
6. motherly