B2 First: use of English part 3 (word formation with verbs)

There are four main prefixes/suffixes used when making verbs, which will be useful for the B2 First exam (Use of English).

Look at the information in the table for a few minutes and try to remember the words. Then click below to hide the information and try to answer the questions at the bottom.


en--ify-ise-en
enlarge
enable
entrust
enrage
ensure
endanger
beautify
clarify
specify
identify
terrify
purify
televise
advise
organise
specialise
prioritise
criminalise
apologise
widen
lengthen
deepen
shorten
tighten
brighten
darken
weaken
strengthen

Practice 1: word formation (use of English part 3)

Write the correct form of the word in brackets to complete these sentences. Be very careful - these are verbs. So, for example, if the word is DEEP, the verb could be deepen, deepens, deepening or deepened.

  1. I find it difficult to my work. (PRIORITY)
  2. I'm studying medicine. I want to in genetics. (SPECIAL)
  3. This photograph is too small. Can you it for me? (LARGE)
  4. I didn't understand what you just said. Could you it? (CLEAR)
  5. My electronic dictionary me to listen to the pronunciation of new words. (ABLE)
  6. He loves insects. He can over 50 different types of beetle. (IDENTITY)
  7. There are a lot of accidents on this road - the council should it. (WIDTH)
  8. The time we spent apart only my love for him. (STRONG)


Practice 2: more word formation

  1. You didn't what flavour you wanted, so I got you chocolate. (SPECIFIC)
  2. His speech was too long. He should have it. (SHORT)
  3. He always thinks he's right. He never for his mistakes. (APOLOGY)
  4. I think the government should alcohol. (CRIMINAL)
  5. Thank you for the flowers you sent last month. They really up my room. (BRIGHT)
  6. The burglar that no one was in the house before he broke in. (SURE)
  7. The film "The Ring" me. I couldn't sleep for days. (TERROR)
  8. The government's plans for the hospitals will thousands of lives. (DANGER)