All Ears English Podcast – Episode 2507

Pesky Prefixes Part 2: Inconvenient English Vocabulary
Hosts: Lindsay McMahon & Aubrey Carter
Date: November 4, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode is Part 2 in the “Pesky Prefixes” series, focusing on the English prefixes “in-” and “un-” and how easily even native speakers confuse them. Lindsay and Aubrey discuss commonly misused vocabulary (e.g., “inconvenient” vs. “unconvenient”) and provide ESL learners with 5 key adjectives where “in-” is the correct choice, not “un-.” Using lots of practical examples, the show helps learners boost not just their vocabulary, but their ability to connect authentically in English. The episode includes a lively dialogue role play and an exploration of language nuances in casual versus formal conversation.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Why Prefixes Matter (03:04)

• Aubrey and Lindsay relate the topic to everyday annoyances, illustrating “inconvenient” with personal examples (e.g., waiting at the DMV).
• Aubrey introduces the confusion between “in-” and “un-,” noting, “Many native speakers make these mistakes, so in today's episode...we’ll give you five words and their correct prefixes so you can focus on connection and not mistakes.” [01:00]

2. Native Speakers Make these Errors Too (04:27)

• Even native speakers often get prefixes wrong (“unconvenient” instead of “inconvenient”).
• Lindsay: “This is something I feel like our native speaking friends could use...The people that I know, like, will make these mistakes.” [04:27]
• Importance of learning the correct forms, since copying native errors can spread mistakes.

3. Explaining Prefix Usage in English (04:59)

• Un- = "not" (as in “unknown”), in- = "not capable of being" (e.g., “inconvenient,” “incapable”).
• Memorizing phrases in chunks and in context helps.

4. The Five Key Adjectives: Real-World Examples

A. Inconvenient (08:01)

• Correct, not “unconvenient.”
• “It was inconvenient for me to attend the meeting because I had another appointment at the same time.”
• “The store’s location is inconvenient for me since it’s clear across town.”
• Alternative: “That’s not very convenient for me.” [08:49]

B. Indescribable (09:05)

• Meaning: Too extraordinary to be described; a sense of awe.
• “The sense of pride after landing our first client was indescribable.”
• “My excitement was truly indescribable.”
• Avoid: “undescribable” [09:17]

C. Incapable (10:41)

• Meaning: Lacking the ability to do something.
• Possible error: “uncapable.”
• “I think that I’m incapable of lifting this couch without help.”
• Alternative: “I am not capable of carrying this couch on my own.” [10:56]

D. Inaccurate (11:46)

• Meaning: Not correct; containing errors.
• Error to avoid: “unaccurate.”
• “The report was filled with inaccurate data, which led the team to make the wrong decision.”
• “Her assumption was inaccurate.” [12:00]

E. Indefensible (12:13)

• Meaning: Impossible to justify or defend.
• “Undefensible” exists, but is rare and sounds incorrect in casual American English.
• Role play example: “The mess I made of them is completely indefensible.”
• “His behavior in the meeting was completely indefensible. Even his closest colleagues refused to back him up.” [13:35]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On native errors:
  “Native speakers make these errors which makes it difficult because if you’re hearing these errors then you’ll just repeat what native speaker say. So we’re going to set you straight today...” – Aubrey [04:39]

• On “indescribable”:
  “You kind of need a word that’s big enough for your feelings. And this is one of them.” – Lindsay [10:29]

• On “indefensible”:
  “I looked all of these up in the dictionary to make sure that I was correct...‘undefensible’ does exist...but I’ve never heard a native speakers say it in the United States at least...So I recommend ‘indefensible.’” – Aubrey [12:23]

• Grammar pet peeves (humorous moment):
  “I’m not a grammar corrector either, but I do correct in my head.” – Lindsay [13:18]

Segment Timestamps

• Episode Start/Advertisements Skipped
• 03:04 – Hosts’ personal inconveniences; introduction of the topic.
• 04:27 – Prefix confusion, even for natives.
• 05:59 – How to decide between “in-” and “un-”; learning in context.
• 08:01 – Five words start: Inconvenient
• 09:05 – Indescribable
• 10:41 – Incapable
• 11:46 – Inaccurate
• 12:13 – Indefensible
• 15:59 – Role Play: Using all five words in a friendly breakfast conversation.
• 17:22 – Breakdown of the role play, pronunciation and formality tips.
• 19:56 – Recap: Part 1 info, mention of upcoming Part 3.
• 20:21 – Main takeaway and connection reminder.

Role Play: Vocabulary in Context [15:59–17:18]

Scenario: Lindsay and Aubrey meet for breakfast and naturally use all five key adjectives.

• Inconvenient: “Thanks for meeting here. I know it’s kind of inconvenient since it’s not near any subway stops.”
• Indescribable: “That chocolate croissant I just had was indescribable. I can’t even put into words how good it was.”
• Incapable: “I’m totally incapable of baking anything that fancy.”
• Inaccurate: “I feel like that’s inaccurate. Remember when you made that amazing tiramisu?”
• Indefensible: “But then I tried to make cannolis, and the mess I made of them is completely indefensible.”

The hosts discuss how some of these sound formal (“inaccurate”), but others fit casual speech (“inconvenient”, “indescribable”).
Aubrey: “If you wanted to emphasize ‘inconvenient,’ you’d add ‘really’ or ‘very.’ With ‘indescribable,’ you can just punch the ‘in-’ more.” [18:17]

Takeaways & Advice for Learners

• Learn by Chunks: It’s often best to remember phrases with their correct prefix, not to try and apply a rule every time.
• Native Speakers Make Mistakes: Don’t be fooled or embarrassed—focus on connection, not perfection.
• Clarity over Perfection: Using a “wrong” prefix will probably not keep you from being understood, but using the right one demonstrates more confidence and sophistication.

Aubrey’s summary:
"It can be tricky to know whether to add ‘in’ or ‘un.’ It is not something that's going to keep you from being understood. Right. But we do hear native speakers make these mistakes as well. So don’t let that fool you...we’re just wanting you to know about these very common errors so you can connect in English without worrying about them." [20:21]

Additional Resources Mentioned

• AEE Pronunciation Course: Focus on clear, global English pronunciation (not accent perfection).
  [Timestamps: 05:48–07:51]

• Previous Episode:
  ”Pesky Prefixes, Part 1: Insecurity or Lack of Security” (Oct 25, 2025)

Conclusion

This episode is lively, practical, and reassuring. Lindsay and Aubrey demystify confusing English prefixes with relatable examples and empower learners to speak confidently. Whether native or non-native, anyone can benefit from internalizing these “pesky prefix” patterns for stronger English connections—because it’s all about connection, not perfection.

For full context or pronunciation tips, listen in or check out the All Ears English app for transcripts and vocab lists!