The prefixes inter- and intra- are generally confused due to their related spellings, however when you have a look at their definitions, it’s straightforward to inform the distinction.
Inter- refers to one thing that’s between two or extra issues; intra- refers to one thing inside a single group or place.
Right here, we’ll clarify the distinction between inter- and intra- and provide you with examples of learn how to use them in your writing.
What’s the distinction between inter- and intra-?
Inter- and intra- are widespread prefixes. When positioned originally of a phrase, they modify its that means, so it’s necessary to know the distinction between them. Let’s have a look at sorts of highways to know how the 2 differ.
Inter- is a prefix that comes from the Latin phrase for amongst or between two or extra folks, locations, or issues. Which means an interstate freeway passes between two or extra states. Inter- may additionally imply reciprocal or involving two or extra issues.
Intra- is a prefix that comes from the Latin phrase for inside a single group or place, so an intrastate freeway is situated inside one state.
When to make use of inter- vs. intra-
Use inter- when speaking about one thing that occurs between two or extra issues. This may occasionally consult with one thing’s bodily place, however that’s not all the time the case.
Inter- can be used to consult with collaboration or competitors between two or extra teams, similar to interdisciplinary analysis, or analysis involving two or extra tutorial disciplines.
Inter- can be used to point out acceptance between teams of individuals, similar to an interreligion group that accepts folks from all religions. The founders of the Italian soccer membership Inter Milan included the prefix of their identify to point out that overseas gamers could be accepted, which was uncommon on the time.
The prefix on this context is an abbreviation for internationwide, and varied sports activities groups now use it to point out their acceptance of gamers from around the globe.
Use intra- to consult with one thing occurring inside one factor, place, or self-discipline. For instance, an intramural sports activities group performs towards groups from the identical establishment, similar to a school or college.
A tip for realizing when to make use of inter- versus intra- is to take a look at the letter distinction between the 2. Intra- ends with the letter a, which can also be within the phrase contained (intra- refers to one thing contained inside one factor or place). Inter- has the letter e, which can also be within the phrase open (an interreligion group is open to all faiths).
Tip: Use Grammarly’s free grammar checker to be sure you’re utilizing the proper prefix.
Is a hyphen required for these prefixes?
Most grammar model guides don’t require a hyphen when attaching the prefixes inter- and intra- to commonest nouns.
There are two most important exceptions to this rule:
- The AP Stylebook says to make use of a hyphen after inter- if the phrase that follows it’s a correct noun, similar to inter-American.
- The Chicago Handbook of Fashion recommends utilizing a hyphen to forestall a double a or i, as in intra-arterial.
Inter- vs. intra- examples
Listed here are 5 examples of phrases that use the prefix inter-.
- Interplay: a reciprocal motion or affect between two or extra folks
- Intermission: a pause or break between two elements of a film or play
- Worldwide: involving two or extra nations
- Interstate: involving two or extra states
- Interstellar: among the many stars
Listed here are 5 examples of phrases that use the prefix intra-:
- Intracellular: inside a cell or cells
- Intracranial: inside a cranium
- Intramural: inside a college or establishment
- Intranet: a community used inside just one group
- Intravenous: inside a vein
Inter- vs. intra- FAQs
What’s the distinction between inter- and intra-?
Inter- means between two or extra issues, whereas intra- means inside a single place or factor.
When do you have to use inter- vs. intra-?
Use inter- when referring to something situated or happening between two or extra issues and intra- for something happening inside one factor. An interstate freeway connects two or extra states, whereas an intrastate freeway is situated inside one state.
Is a hyphen required when utilizing inter- or intra- prefixes?
Most stylebooks say there’s no want to incorporate a hyphen when utilizing inter- or intra-. The AP Stylebook recommends utilizing a hyphen provided that a correct noun follows the prefix, and The Chicago Handbook of Fashion recommends utilizing a hyphen to keep away from a double a or i.
