AP Word Family Practice: Worksheets, Word List & Sentences

Understanding word families is a cornerstone of English vocabulary acquisition and grammar mastery. The “AP” word family, derived from roots and prefixes beginning with “ap-“, offers numerous opportunities to expand your lexical range and improve comprehension.

This article is designed to provide a comprehensive guide to the AP word family, including definitions, structural breakdowns, usage rules, and practical exercises. Whether you are a student preparing for standardized tests, an English language learner, or simply looking to enhance your vocabulary, this resource will equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to confidently navigate the nuances of AP words.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Definition of the AP Word Family
• Structural Breakdown of AP Words
• Types and Categories of AP Words
• Examples of AP Words
• Usage Rules for AP Words
• Common Mistakes with AP Words
• Practice Exercises
• Advanced Topics: Nuances and Collocations
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• Conclusion

Introduction

The English language is rich with words derived from various roots and prefixes. Among these, the “AP” word family holds a significant place, encompassing words that often convey ideas of nearness, addition, or transformation.

Mastering this word family can significantly enhance your reading comprehension, writing skills, and overall vocabulary. This article aims to provide a thorough exploration of the AP word family, offering clear definitions, structural analyses, practical examples, and engaging exercises to facilitate effective learning.

By understanding the underlying principles of these words, you can unlock a deeper understanding of the English language and become a more confident communicator.

Definition of the AP Word Family

The “AP” word family consists of words that begin with the prefix “ap-,” which is derived from Latin and Greek origins. This prefix typically signifies “to,” “toward,” “near,” “addition,” or “emphasis.” Words in this family often express a movement towards something, an attachment to something, or an intensification of a quality.

Understanding the core meaning of the “ap-” prefix is crucial for deciphering the meanings of individual words within this family.

The function of “ap-” is to modify the base word to which it is attached, altering its meaning in a specific way. For example, “apply” (to put to a specific use or purpose) adds the “ap-” to a base that suggests direction and purpose.

The context in which an AP word is used further refines its meaning, and grasping these contextual nuances is essential for accurate interpretation and usage.

Structural Breakdown of AP Words

The structure of AP words typically involves the prefix “ap-” followed by a root word or stem. The prefix modifies the meaning of the root, creating a new word with a related but distinct meaning.

Breaking down these words into their constituent parts can greatly aid in understanding and memorization.

Here’s a general structural breakdown:

ap- + root/stem = AP word

For instance:

• ap– + pear (to come into sight) = appear (to become visible)
• ap– + point (to designate) = appoint (to assign a duty or role)

Understanding common roots and stems that frequently combine with “ap-” can further enhance your ability to recognize and understand new AP words. Recognizing these patterns allows for more efficient vocabulary acquisition and improved reading comprehension.

Types and Categories of AP Words

AP words can be categorized based on their function and the nuances of their meaning. Some common categories include:

1. Words Indicating Movement or Direction

These words involve a sense of moving towards something or being directed in a specific way. Examples include: approach, advance, arrive, ascend.

2. Words Indicating Attachment or Connection

These words suggest a joining or linking of one thing to another. Examples include: append, affix, apply, adhere.

3. Words Indicating Transformation or Change

These words imply a change in form or state. Examples include: adapt, adjust, amend, alter.

4. Words Indicating Intensification or Emphasis

These words heighten the meaning of the root word. Examples include: appreciate, affirm, assure, applaud.

5. Words with Abstract Meanings

Some AP words have meanings that are more abstract and less directly related to the literal meaning of “ap-“. Examples include: apparent, appropriate, approve, appease.

Examples of AP Words

This section provides extensive examples of AP words, categorized by their function. Each example is accompanied by a definition and a sentence to illustrate its usage.

Table 1: AP Words Indicating Movement or Direction

The following table provides examples of AP words that indicate movement or direction, enhancing your understanding of how the prefix “ap-” can denote a sense of progression or orientation.

Word	Definition	Example Sentence
Approach	To come near or nearer to someone or something.	As we approach the city, the skyline becomes visible.
Advance	To move forward, typically in a purposeful way.	The troops advanced cautiously through the forest.
Arrive	To reach a destination.	We will arrive at the airport at 6 PM.
Ascend	To go up or climb.	The climbers began to ascend the mountain.
Access	To gain entry.	You need a password to access the system.
Adjourn	To postpone or suspend a meeting to a later time.	The meeting was adjourned until next week.
Accelerate	To increase the rate or speed of something.	The driver accelerated the car on the highway.
Accompany	To go somewhere with someone as a companion or escort.	I will accompany you to the doctor’s appointment.
Acquire	To obtain or gain possession of something.	The company acquired a new subsidiary.
Accrue	To accumulate or receive something over time.	Interest will accrue in your savings account.
Adept	Very skilled or proficient at something.	She is adept at playing the piano.
Adjust	To alter or move something slightly in order to achieve the desired fit, appearance, or result.	Please adjust the volume on the radio.
Administer	To manage or be responsible for the running of a business or organization.	The principal administers the school effectively.
Adopt	To legally take another person’s child and bring it up as one’s own.	They decided to adopt a child from the orphanage.
Adorn	To make more beautiful or attractive.	They adorned the room with flowers.
Address	To speak to someone; to deal with a problem or issue.	The speaker addressed the audience.
Assign	To allocate a job or duty to someone.	The teacher assigned homework to the students.
Aspire	To direct one’s hopes or ambitions towards achieving something.	He aspired to become a doctor.
Attain	To succeed in achieving something that one desires and has worked for.	She attained her goal of graduating with honors.
Attend	To be present at an event or meeting.	I will attend the conference next week.
Attract	To draw someone or something to oneself.	The bright colors attracted the children.
Allure	To strongly attract or tempt.	The idea of a free vacation allured him.
Avert	To turn away one’s eyes or thoughts.	She averted her gaze from the accident.

Table 2: AP Words Indicating Attachment or Connection

This table showcases AP words that signify attachment or connection, illustrating how the prefix “ap-” can denote a sense of joining or linking.

Word	Definition	Example Sentence
Append	To add something as an attachment or supplement.	Please append your signature to the document.
Affix	To attach or fasten something to something else.	Affix the stamp to the envelope.
Apply	To put something to a specific use or purpose.	You should apply sunscreen before going outside.
Adhere	To stick firmly to a surface or substance.	The tape did not adhere to the wall properly.
Associate	To connect someone or something with something else in one’s mind.	I associate summer with happy memories.
Alliance	A union or association formed for mutual benefit, especially between countries or organizations.	The two countries formed an alliance for trade.
Assemble	To gather together in one place for a common purpose.	The students assembled in the auditorium.
Attach	To fasten, join, or connect something to something else.	Please attach the file to the email.
Attune	To adjust or accustom oneself to.	She tried to attune herself to the new environment.
Accustom	To make someone or something accept something as normal or usual.	I need to accustom myself to waking up early.
Acclimate	To become accustomed to a new climate or conditions.	It takes time to acclimate to the high altitude.
Accredit	To give official authorization or approval to someone or something.	The university is accredited by a reputable organization.
Acquaint	To make someone aware of or familiar with.	Let me acquaint you with the team members.
Affiliate	To officially attach or connect to an organization.	The club is affiliated with the national association.
Aggregate	To form or group into a class or cluster.	The data was aggregated to produce meaningful statistics.
Amalgamate	To combine or unite to form one organization or structure.	The two companies decided to amalgamate their resources.
Annex	To add as an extra part; to take control of a territory.	The city decided to annex the neighboring town.
Approximate	To be close or similar to something in quality or quantity.	The cost will approximate $100.
Assimilate	To take in and fully understand information or ideas.	It takes time to assimilate all the new information.
Accede	To agree to a demand, request, or treaty.	The government acceded to the protesters’ demands.
Accord	To give or grant someone power, status, or recognition.	The treaty accorded them considerable advantages.
Acquit	To free someone from a criminal charge by a verdict of not guilty.	The jury acquitted the defendant.
Apportion	To divide and allocate something.	The funds were apportioned among the different departments.

Table 3: AP Words Indicating Transformation or Change

This table presents AP words that indicate transformation or change, illustrating how the prefix “ap-” can denote a sense of alteration or modification.

Word	Definition	Example Sentence
Adapt	To adjust to new conditions.	It takes time to adapt to a new environment.
Adjust	To alter or move something slightly in order to achieve the desired fit, appearance, or result.	Please adjust the volume on the radio.
Amend	To make minor changes in a text in order to make it fairer, more accurate, or more up-to-date.	The committee decided to amend the proposal.
Alter	To change or cause to change in character or composition, typically in a comparatively small but significant way.	The tailor will alter the dress to fit you perfectly.
Appeal	To make a serious or urgent request, typically to the public.	They appealed to the community for donations.
Appropriate	To take something for one’s own use, typically without permission.	The company was accused of appropriating funds.
Appraise	To assess the value or quality of something.	The jeweler will appraise the diamond ring.
Arrest	To seize someone and take them into custody.	The police arrested the suspect.
Ascribe	To attribute something to a cause.	They ascribed his success to hard work.
Assert	To state a fact or belief confidently and forcefully.	He asserted his innocence during the trial.
Assess	To evaluate or estimate the nature, ability, or quality of something.	The teacher will assess the students’ progress.
Allot	To give or apportion something to someone as a share or task.	Each participant was allotted a specific role.
Appreciate	To recognize the full worth of something.	I appreciate your help and support.
Authorize	To give official permission for something.	The manager authorized the purchase.
Avail	To use or take advantage of an opportunity or resource.	He availed himself of the free training program.
Average	Calculate the average of a set of numbers or items.	The accountant will average the expenses for the quarter.
Augment	To make (something) greater by adding to it; increase.	The company plans to augment its workforce.
Authenticate	To prove or show (something) to be genuine.	The expert will authenticate the painting.
Advocate	To publicly support or suggest (a particular cause or policy).	She advocates for environmental protection.
Amplify	To increase the volume of (sound), especially using an amplifier.	The speaker needed to amplify his voice.
Animate	To bring to life; to give inspiration or excitement.	The storyteller animated the children with his tales.
Abridge	To shorten (a book, film, speech, etc.) without losing the sense.	The editor decided to abridge the novel.
Abstract	To extract or remove (something).	The chemist will abstract the compound from the mixture.

Table 4: AP Words Indicating Intensification or Emphasis

The following table provides examples of AP words that indicate intensification or emphasis, enhancing your understanding of how the prefix “ap-” can denote a heightened quality or degree.

Word	Definition	Example Sentence
Appreciate	To recognize the full worth of something.	I truly appreciate your kindness.
Affirm	To state something is true.	He affirmed his commitment to the project.
Assure	To tell someone something positively to dispel any doubts.	I can assure you that everything will be fine.
Applaud	To show approval or praise by clapping.	The audience applauded the performance.
Accentuate	To make more noticeable or prominent.	The dress accentuated her figure.
Accept	To receive or take willingly.	I accept your apology.
Advance	To move forward in a deliberate manner.	The army advanced towards the enemy lines.
Advise	To offer suggestions about the best course of action to someone.	The doctor advised him to rest.
Advocate	To publicly support or suggest an idea or development.	She advocates for environmental protection.
Amplifly	To make something louder or more intense.	The speaker needed to amplify his voice.
Appraise	To assess the value or quality of something.	The art dealer appraised the painting.
Approve	To officially agree to or accept something.	The manager approved the budget.
Argue	To give reasons or evidence in support of an idea or action.	The lawyer argued the case in court.
Ascertain	To find something out for certain.	The detective tried to ascertain the truth.
Assess	To evaluate or estimate the nature, ability, or quality of something.	The teacher will assess the students’ progress.
Assume	To suppose something is the case without proof.	I assume you are familiar with the topic.
Astonish	To surprise or impress greatly.	The magician’s tricks astonished the audience.
Attest	To provide or serve as clear evidence of something.	The documents attest to the validity of the claim.
Authorize	To give official permission for something.	The manager authorized the purchase.
Accent	To emphasize a particular feature.	The lighting accented the painting’s details.
Accomplish	To achieve or complete successfully.	He accomplished a great deal in his career.
Accurate	Correct in all details; exact.	The report was accurate and thorough.
Acute	Having or showing a perceptive understanding or insight.	She has an acute sense of hearing.

Table 5: AP Words with Abstract Meanings

This table features AP words with abstract meanings, illustrating how the prefix “ap-” can contribute to concepts that are less directly tied to its literal sense of “to” or “near.”

Word	Definition	Example Sentence
Apparent	Clearly visible or understood; obvious.	It was apparent that she was upset.
Appropriate	Suitable or proper in the circumstances.	That behavior is not appropriate for a formal event.
Approve	Officially agree to or accept as satisfactory.	The council approved the building plans.
Appease	To pacify or placate someone by acceding to their demands.	The company tried to appease the angry customers.
Ambiguous	Open to more than one interpretation; having a double meaning.	The instructions were ambiguous and confusing.
Appoint	To assign a job or role to someone.	The director appointed him as the team leader.
Arbitrary	Based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system.	The decision seemed arbitrary and unfair.
Arduous	Involving or requiring strenuous effort; difficult and tiring.	Climbing the mountain was an arduous task.
Articulate	Expressing oneself readily and clearly.	She is an articulate speaker.
Authentic	Of undisputed origin; genuine.	The painting is an authentic masterpiece.
Aversion	A strong dislike or disinclination.	He has an aversion to public speaking.
Abstract	Existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical or concrete existence.	The concept of justice is abstract.
Abundant	Existing or available in large quantities; plentiful.	There was an abundant supply of food.
Academic	Relating to education and scholarship.	The conference focused on academic research.
Achieve	Successfully bring about or reach (a desired objective or result) by effort, skill, or courage.	She worked hard to achieve her goals.
Actual	Existing in fact; real.	The actual cost was higher than expected.
Adaptable	Able to adjust to new conditions.	She is highly adaptable to change.
Adequate	Satisfactory or acceptable in quality or quantity.	The food supply was adequate for the journey.
Adjacent	Next to or adjoining something else.	The houses are adjacent to each other.
Adroit	Clever or skillful in the use of hands or mind.	He is an adroit negotiator.
Aesthetic	Concerned with beauty or the appreciation of beauty.	The design has a pleasing aesthetic quality.
Affluent	Having a great deal of money; wealthy.	The town is home to many affluent families.
Agile	Able to move quickly and easily.	The gymnast was very agile.

Usage Rules for AP Words

Using AP words correctly involves understanding their specific meanings and how they function within sentences. Here are some key usage rules:

1. Context is Crucial: Pay close attention to the context in which an AP word is used. The surrounding words and the overall situation will often provide clues to its precise meaning.

2. Distinguish Similar Words: Be aware of AP words that have similar meanings but different nuances. For example, “adapt” and “adjust” both involve change, but “adapt” implies a more significant or fundamental change.

3. Correct Prepositions: Many AP words are followed by specific prepositions. For instance, “apply to” (a school), “adhere to” (a rule), “appeal to” (someone for help). Knowing the correct prepositions is essential for accurate usage.

4. Formal vs. Informal Usage: Some AP words are more formal than others. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing or speech when choosing an AP word.

5. Avoid Redundancy: Be careful not to use AP words in a way that is redundant. For example, avoid phrases like “ascend up” (since “ascend” already means “to go up”).

Common Mistakes with AP Words

Several common mistakes can occur when using AP words. Being aware of these errors can help you avoid them in your own writing and speech.

1. Misunderstanding the Prefix: Failing to recognize the meaning of “ap-” can lead to misinterpretations of AP words. For example, assuming that “apparent” means something hidden rather than obvious.

2. Confusing Similar Words: Mixing up AP words with similar meanings, such as “adapt” and “adopt,” can result in incorrect usage.

3. Incorrect Prepositions: Using the wrong preposition after an AP word is a common error. For example, saying “apply for” instead of “apply to” when referring to a school.

4. Redundant Phrases: Using redundant phrases with AP words, such as “advance forward,” is a common mistake that should be avoided.

5. Misspelling: Misspelling AP words is a common error, especially with words that have similar sounds but different spellings. For example, misspelling “apparent” as “apparant.”

Here are some examples of common mistakes and their corrections:

Incorrect	Correct
I need to adapt that child.	I need to adopt that child.
We should advance forward.	We should advance.
Apply for the rules.	Apply the rules.
The answer was apparant.	The answer was apparent.

Practice Exercises

These practice exercises will help you reinforce your understanding of AP words. Choose the correct AP word to complete each sentence.

Exercise 1

Fill in the blanks with the appropriate AP word from the list: approach, apply, adhere, adjust, amend.

Question	Answer
1. As we __________ the summit, the view became breathtaking.	approach
2. You must __________ to the rules of the competition.	adhere
3. Please __________ the form carefully before submitting it.	apply
4. We need to __________ the budget to account for the new expenses.	adjust
5. The committee voted to __________ the constitution.	amend
6. I will __________ to the plan we discussed.	adhere
7. They decided to __________ their strategy to the changing market conditions.	adjust
8. He wanted to __________ for the scholarship.	apply
9. The storm is expected to __________ our city by midnight.	approach
10. The lawyers had to __________ the contract to reflect the new agreement.	amend

Exercise 2

Choose the correct AP word from the options provided: (apparent, affirm, assure, applaud).

Question	Answer
1. It was __________ that he was nervous about the presentation.	apparent
2. The witness had to __________ his testimony under oath.	affirm
3. I can __________ you that your information will be kept confidential.	assure
4. The audience began to __________ after the singer finished her song.	applaud
5. The evidence made it __________ that he was guilty.	apparent
6. The company sought to __________ its commitment to sustainability.	affirm
7. I __________ you that we will do our best to resolve the issue.	assure
8. The crowd started to __________ the team after their victory.	applaud
9. It became __________ that the project was behind schedule.	apparent
10. The suspect chose to __________ his right to remain silent.	affirm

Exercise 3

Fill in the blanks with the appropriate AP word from the list: append, affix, associate, assemble, attach.

Question	Answer
1. Please __________ the supporting documents to your application.	append
2. __________ the stamp to the upper right corner of the envelope.	Affix
3. I __________ summer with happy memories of childhood.	associate
4. The students were asked to __________ in the auditorium for the lecture.	assemble
5. Please __________ your photo to the online profile.	attach
6. You must __________ all receipts to the expense report.	attach
7. I __________ the smell of pine with winter holidays.	associate
8. The team members will __________ this afternoon to discuss the project.	assemble
9. Be sure to __________ the correct postage to the package.	affix
10. The author decided to __________ a new chapter to the book.	append

Advanced Topics: Nuances and Collocations

For advanced learners, understanding the nuances and collocations of AP words

is essential for mastering their usage. Nuances refer to the subtle differences in meaning between similar words, while collocations are the typical combinations of words that frequently occur together.

Nuances in AP Words

AP words often have subtle differences in meaning that can impact the overall message. For example, “assure,” “ensure,” and “insure” are often confused, but they have distinct meanings:

• Assure: To remove someone’s doubts; to promise or guarantee.
• Ensure: To make certain that something will occur.
• Insure: To protect against risk by means of insurance.

Understanding these subtle differences is crucial for precise communication.

Collocations with AP Words

Collocations are word combinations that occur naturally and frequently in English. Using the correct collocations makes your language sound more natural and fluent.

Here are some common collocations with AP words:

• Apply: apply pressure, apply sunscreen, apply the rules
• Approve: approve a plan, approve a budget, approve a request
• Attach: attach importance, attach a file, attach a label
• Affirm: affirm a belief, affirm a commitment, affirm a decision
• Assure: assure someone of something, assure confidentiality, assure safety

By learning these collocations, you can enhance your fluency and accuracy in using AP words.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

Mastering the AP word family is a valuable step in expanding your English vocabulary and improving your language skills. By understanding the structure, types, and usage rules of AP words, you can enhance your reading comprehension, writing proficiency, and overall communication abilities.

This article has provided a comprehensive guide to the AP word family, complete with definitions, examples, exercises, and advanced topics. Continue practicing and exploring AP words to further refine your understanding and confidently incorporate them into your everyday language use.

With consistent effort and dedication, you can unlock the full potential of the AP word family and elevate your command of the English language.