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Prefixes never change the root word
mis + spell = misspell (two s's).
Grades 3-7
The rule
Add a prefix to the front of a word and the spelling of both parts stays exactly the same — even when that leaves a double letter.
How it works
| mis + spell = misspell | two s's |
| un + necessary = unnecessary | two n's |
| dis + appear = disappear | one s, two p's |
| im + mortal = immortal | two m's |
| over + rate = overrate | two r's |
| il + legal = illegal | two l's |
Watch out for
- Most spelling mistakes here come from guessing at the double letter. Split the word into prefix + root and the answer is automatic.
- Disappear and disappoint have one s and two p's, because the roots are appear and appoint.