Word Formation

Word formation is the process of creating new words by adding prefixes, suffixes, or combining words. It helps in expanding vocabulary and understanding how words function in different contexts.

1. Prefixation (Adding a Prefix)

A prefix is a group of letters added at the beginning of a word to change its meaning.

un- → not/opposite (e.g., unhappy, unclear)

dis- → opposite of (e.g., dislike, disconnect)

re- → again (e.g., rewrite, rebuild)

mis- → wrongly (e.g., mislead, misjudge)

pre- → before (e.g., preview, prepay)

anti- → against (e.g., antifreeze, antisocial)

2. Suffixation (Adding a Suffix)

A suffix is a group of letters added at the end of a word to form a new word.

-er/-or → person who does (e.g., teacher, actor)

-ness → state of being (e.g., happiness, darkness)

-able → capable of being (e.g., readable, comfortable)

-ful → full of (e.g., hopeful, beautiful)

-ment → result of an action (e.g., development, achievement)

-ly → in a certain manner (e.g., quickly, happily)

3. Compound Words

Compound words are formed by joining two or more words together.

Open compounds → ice cream, full moon

Closed compounds → notebook, bedroom

Hyphenated compounds → mother-in-law, well-being

4. Conversion (Changing the Word Class)

Some words change their function without adding a prefix or suffix.

Noun → Verb: email → to email, water → to water

Verb → Noun: run → a run, talk → a talk

Exercise on Word Formation

A. Add a suitable prefix to form a new word: ( im, in, un, )

1. ____correct

2. ____possible

3. ____do

4. ____happy

5. ____active



B. Add a suitable suffix to form a new word: (ness, able, less,er, or)

1. Kind → __________

2. Move → __________

3. Help → __________

4. Teach → __________

5. Hope → __________



C. Identify the compound words in the following sentences:

1. My grandmother loves storytelling.
2. The sunlight was very bright today.
3. She bought a bookshelf for her room.
4. We went to the airport early in the morning.
5. The firefighter saved the cat.



D. Change the word form as instructed in brackets:

1. She is a very (create – adjective) person.
2. He showed great (kind – noun) to the poor.
3. We must (beauty – verb) our surroundings.
4. The new law will lead to the (develop – noun) of the town.
5. The children were playing (happy – adverb) in the park.

Write your reaponses in comment section.

Completion of Sentences Exercise for CUET

Instructions: Choose the most appropriate option to complete each sentence meaningfully.

1. Unless you work hard, _______.
   a) you will succeed
   b) you will not succeed
   c) you can easily pass
   d) you won’t need help
2. The doctor advised him to stop smoking because _______.
   a) he was in good health
   b) he wanted to lose weight
   c) it was affecting his lungs
   d) he never had a habit of smoking
3. As soon as the teacher entered the classroom, _______.
   a) the students started talking
   b) the students became silent
   c) the class was over
   d) the teacher left immediately
4. He talks as though _______.
   a) he has achieved everything in life
   b) he will achieve great success
   c) he was unhappy with life
   d) he doesn’t want to succeed
5. The moment the thief saw the police, _______.
   a) he pretended to sleep
   b) he was caught
   c) he ran away
   d) he stood still
6. The movie was so boring that _______.
   a) I watched it twice
   b) I left the theater halfway
   c) I could not stop watching
   d) I recommended it to everyone
7. You cannot enter the hall _______.
   a) if you have a ticket
   b) without a valid pass
   c) because the show is canceled
   d) unless you don’t have permission
8. She behaves as if _______.
   a) she knows everything
   b) she will win the race
   c) she is a guest here
   d) she was unaware of the rules
9. The meeting will start _______.
   a) by the time everyone leaves
   b) when the manager arrives
   c) because it is canceled
   d) as soon as the office closes
10. Had he asked me earlier, _______.
    a) I would lend him money
    b) I would have lent him money
    c) I will lend him money
    d) I may have helped him
11. No sooner did the bell ring than _______.
    a) the students ran out of the classroom
    b) the teacher entered the room
    c) the class started quietly
    d) the principal announced the results
12. In case you miss the bus, _______.
    a) wait for the next one
    b) you will reach on time
    c) the driver will call you
    d) take a taxi
13. It was raining heavily; nevertheless, _______.
    a) they decided to cancel the trip
    b) the match was called off
    c) we went out for a picnic
    d) everyone stayed indoors
14. Despite her best efforts, _______.
    a) she failed to convince the audience
    b) she easily solved the problem
    c) she won the debate
    d) she completed her work on time
15. If the flight is delayed, _______.
    a) I will inform you immediately
    b) we will arrive on time
    c) we will cancel our booking
    d) the passengers may leave early
16. The dog barked loudly because _______.
    a) it was hungry
    b) it was happy to see strangers
    c) it wanted to remain quiet
    d) it didn’t notice anyone
17. She was confident about her speech until _______.
    a) she prepared thoroughly
    b) she practiced well
    c) she stood on stage
    d) she received the award
18. By the time he reached the station, _______.
    a) the train left
    b) the train had left
    c) the passengers were waiting
    d) the journey began
19. He will not stop complaining _______.
    a) because he is satisfied
    b) until his problem is solved
    c) as his issue is resolved
    d) when the manager agrees
20. If I were you, _______.
    a) I will ignore the situation
    b) I would have ignored the situation
    c) I would ignore the situation
    d) I could ignore the situation

Answer Key

1. b) you will not succeed
2. c) it was affecting his lungs
3. b) the students became silent
4. a) he has achieved everything in life
5. c) he ran away
6. b) I left the theater halfway
7. b) without a valid pass
8. a) she knows everything
9. b) when the manager arrives
10. b) I would have lent him money
11. a) the students ran out of the classroom
12. d) take a taxi
13. c) we went out for a picnic
14. a) she failed to convince the audience
15. a) I will inform you immediately
16. a) it was hungry
17. c) she stood on stage
18. b) the train had left
19. b) until his problem is solved
20. c) I would ignore the situation

Republic Day Speech for Teachers

Good morning, respected Principal, fellow teachers, and dear students,

Today, as we gather here to celebrate the 76th Republic Day of our great nation, it fills my heart with pride and gratitude. On this day in 1950, the Constitution of India came into effect, making us a sovereign, democratic republic. This monumental event marked the beginning of a new era, where the ideals of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity became the guiding principles of our nation.

As educators, we have a significant responsibility to shape young minds and instill these values in our students. The Constitution is not just a document; it is a vision of what our nation can be—a land of opportunity, peace, and prosperity for all.

Let us remind ourselves and our students of the sacrifices made by countless freedom fighters and visionaries who paved the way for the democracy we enjoy today. Let us encourage our students to uphold the values of unity in diversity and work towards building a stronger and more inclusive India.

On this Republic Day, I urge each one of you to contribute to the progress of our nation in your unique ways. Together, let us create a future where every citizen, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to thrive.

Thank you, and Jai Hind!

Republic Day Speech for Students

Good morning, respected Principal, teachers, and my dear friends,

Today, we are gathered here to celebrate the 76th Republic Day of our beloved country, India. It was on this day in 1950 that our Constitution came into effect, giving us the rights and duties that define our identity as proud citizens of this great nation.

Republic Day is not just a day of celebration; it is also a day to remember the sacrifices of our freedom fighters and the vision of the leaders who gave us this Constitution. It reminds us of the values of democracy, equality, and freedom that form the foundation of our nation.

As students, we have a vital role to play in shaping the future of our country. By working hard in our studies, respecting others, and following the rules, we can contribute to India’s growth and development. Let us also remember to honor our national heroes by being responsible citizens and standing united, no matter what challenges come our way.

On this Republic Day, let us take a pledge to make India a better, stronger, and more prosperous nation. Together, we can achieve great things.

Thank you, and Jai Hind!