Pairs of words and prefixes

Binomials: pairs that stick together. A binomial is a pair of words used together in a fixed order, usually joined by and or or: hide and seek, odds and ends, right or wrong. We say sooner or later, never later or sooner.

Meanings to learn:

• sink or swim: succeed or fail without help;
• on and off: sometimes, not all the time;
• mix and match: combine to get variety;
• all or nothing: completely or not at all;
• part and parcel: an essential part;
• pick and choose: select only the best;
• sooner or later: at some time;
• leaps and bounds: very quickly.

Prefixes that make opposites. A prefix goes at the front of a word:

• un-: unhappy, unusual;
• in-: incorrect, independent;
• im- (usually before p, b or m): impossible;
• ir- (before r): irrespective;
• dis-: disbelief, disrespect;
• mis- means wrongly: misunderstand;
• extra- means beyond: extraordinary.

Which prefix? It depends on the word. Say it aloud ('unpossible'? 'inpossible'? 'impossible'!), and check a dictionary when unsure.