Prefixes:
* Un-: This prefix is often used to negate the meaning of a word, which can be straightforward but not particularly inventive.
* Re-: This prefix implies repetition or doing something again, which can be functional but lack originality.
* Pre-: While this prefix can be used effectively, it often indicates something happening before something else, leading to a predictable structure.
Suffixes:
* -ing: This suffix is extremely common and often used to create present participles, making it a reliable but potentially unoriginal choice.
* -er: This suffix is used to form nouns denoting people or things that perform a particular action, which can feel generic.
* -ly: This suffix adds an adverbial form to an adjective, often resulting in straightforward modifications of meaning.
Alternatives:
Instead of relying on these common prefixes and suffixes, consider:
* Exploring less common prefixes: "Anti-", "hyper-", "infra-", "para-", etc.
* Employing creative suffixes: "-esque", "-ism", "-hood", "-mania", etc.
* Creating new words: Combining existing words or elements to create unique terms.
Ultimately, the best prefixes and suffixes are those that enhance the meaning and style of your writing, regardless of their perceived "imaginativeness."