Common prefxes include: de-, dis-, il-, re-, un-. Sometimes the root can be used as an independent word (e.g. like), but other roots cannot (e.g. renounce and denounce, but not 'nounce').
In some words the prefix is unstressed and is only made prominent (see Unit 10) for particular contrast. Compare: A: Do you enjoy driving? B: No, I really disLIKE it. A: I thought you LIKED driving? B: No, I really DISlike it.
Words like this are usually shown as having only one (main) stressed syllable: dislike /dι'slaιk/ Other words like dislike include:
de'grade de'flect de'fraud
di'scolour di'scourage di'sintegrate
il'legal il'legible il'literate
re'claim re'fresh re'place
un'easy un'pack un'wise
Other words with these prefixes have secondary stress on the prefix: ,decom'pose ,recon'sider ,unaf'fected
(See Unit 15C for stress shift in words like these.)
In words with de- and re- prefixes, the prefix is usually pronounced /dι-/ and /rι-/ if it is unstressed and /di:-/ and /ri:-/ if it has secondary stress. Compare: de'grade /di-/ but: ,decom'pose /di:-/ re'claim /rι-/ but: ,recon'sider /ri:-/ A few words with de- and re- prefxes are usually pronounced with an unstressed /-ι-/ in the prefix when they are used as a verb and a stressed /-i:-/ in the prefix when they are used as a noun. Compare: Interest is likely to decrease. (/dι'kri:s/) but: There has been a decrease(/'di:kri:s/) in interest.
Complete the sentences with words from the box in В opposite.Underline the syllable that you think will have the main stress inthese words. Key.1 unwise 2 unpack 3 discourage 4 illegal Example: They're going to replace most of the workers with machines. 1 It's _________ to forecast the weather too far ahead. 2 I haven't had time to _________ since I got back from holiday. 3 We have to _________ her from working too hard. 4 Parking on a double yellow line is _________.
Now listen and check your answers. Then say the sentences aloud.
Write the same words from exercise 1 (including the example) in thespaces in these conversations. Again, underline the syllables that youthink will have the main stress in these words. Key.(Speaker A=Spain) 1 replace 2 illegal 3 unpack 4 discourage Example: A: Would it be a wise investment? B: No, I think it would be very unwise . 1 A: Did you say you've misplaced your keys? B: No, I said I have to __________ them. 2 A: I suppose it's legal to bring alcohol into the country? B: No, it's completely __________. 3 A: Did it take long to pack your case? B: Ages, but it won't take long to __________ it. 4 A: Did your teacher encourage you to do the maths course? B: No, she tried to __________ me from doing it.
Now listen, check your answers and say the В parts aloud.
Choose words from D opposite to complete the pairs of sentences. Usethe same word in each pair. Think about the pronunciation of the wordsyou have written and say the sentences aloud. Key.(South Africa) 1 a recover /rι'kΛv∂/ ( = get well) b re-cover /,ri:'kΛv∂/ ( = cover again) 2 a re-sign /,ri:'saιn/ ( = sign again) b resign /rι'zaιn/ ( = give up a job) 3 a re-count /,ri:'kaunt/ ( = count again) b recount /rι'kaunt/( = describe) Example: a The band hasn't played together for years, but they've said they'll reform for the charity concert. (/,ri:'fo:m/ = form again) b The government are going to reform health care. (/rι'fo:m/ = improve) 1 a She'd been seriously ill and it took her a long time to ___________. b The chair was badly stained, so we had to ___________ it. 2 a He hasn't agreed yet to ___________ for the club for the next baseball season. b If working conditions don't improve soon, she's threatening to ___________. 3 a When the phone rang, I forgot how many books I'd already put in the box, so I had b He liked to ___________ his wartime experiences to anyone who'd listen.