Name _______________________________________

Lesson 12   The prefix com


com+junction = conjunction
com+vention = convention
com+sider = consider
com+cern = concern
com+stant = constant
com+sent = consent
com+cert = concert
com+gress = congress
 
com+munication = communication
com+mittee = committee
com+mend = commend
com+mence = commence
com+mander = commander
 
com+bination = combination
com+plicate = complicate
com+petition = competition
com+plaint = complaint
com+plexion = complexion

The prefix com means "with" or "together." This prefix can be spelled in different ways. The spelling depends on the root to which the prefix is joined.

1.When the prefix com is joined to the first eight word parts, how is it spelled?

___________

 
2.In the next five word parts, the roots begin with the letter m. How is com spelled when it is joined to these roots?

___________

 
3. In the last five word parts, each root begins with b or p. How is com spelled when it is joined to these roots?

___________


Lesson Generalization

The prefix com is spelled con before most letters of the alphabet.

It is spelled com before roots that begin with the letter m, p, or b.
It changes to make more compatible combinations that are easier to pronounce:
Say comstant. Then say constant.
Changing the last letter of the prefix often results in a double consonant:
connect
Remember both letters when you write the word.
Mnemonic device: Remember common compatible combinations!


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