Compound Adjectives
Compound adjectives are formed by combining two or more words, usually with a hyphen, to create a single descriptive term.
These adjectives provide specific and detailed information about a noun, enhancing clarity and precision in your descriptions.
For example, in the phrase "a well-known author," "well-known" is a compound adjective that gives a clear and concise description of the author's reputation.
What Are Compound Adjectives?
Compound adjectives are formed by combining two or more words, usually with a hyphen, to describe a noun. They offer detailed descriptions that single adjectives might miss.
Examples:
A well-known author
A two-story building
A high-quality product
A long-term solution
A brightly-lit room
Types of Compound Adjectives
There are several common structures for compound adjectives:
Number + Noun: These describe quantities. For instance, a two-bedroom apartment.
Adjective + Noun: These describe a characteristic directly linked to a noun. For example, a full-time job.
Noun + Adjective: These invert the usual order for stylistic emphasis. For instance, snow-white.
Adverb + Past Participle: These combine an adverb with a past participle to describe a completed action. For example, well-known.
Adverb + Present Participle: These combine an adverb with a present participle to describe an ongoing action. For example, fast-growing.
Examples:
Number + Noun: A five-minute break, a ten-page document
Adjective + Noun: A high-speed train, a long-distance relationship
Noun + Adjective: A user-friendly interface, a sugar-free drink
Adverb + Past Participle: A highly-regarded professor, a widely-accepted theory
Adverb + Present Participle: A quickly-moving stream, a slowly-developing plot
Rules for Using Compound Adjectives
Hyphenation in compound adjectives is important for clarity. Use hyphens to link words when they come before a noun they describe.
When to Use Hyphens:
When the compound adjective comes before the noun: a well-known actor.
For clarity and to avoid confusion: a small-business owner (different from a small business owner).
With compound adjectives involving numbers and units of measure: a five-year-old child, a ten-kilometer run.
When Not to Use Hyphens:
When the compound adjective follows the noun: The actor is well known.
When the first word is an adverb ending in -ly: a highly regarded scientist.
When the compound adjective includes proper nouns: an African American community.
Examples:
Correct: She lives in a two-story house.
Incorrect: She lives in a two story house.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Many English learners make errors with compound adjectives. Here are some tips to avoid common mistakes:
Incorrect: A five year old child.
Correct: A five-year-old child.
Avoid mixing up when to use hyphens:
Incorrect: The team is well-known for its success.
Correct: The team is well known for its success.
Incorrect: A high-school student scored well. Correct: A high school student scored well (when the term 'high school' functions as a noun phrase).
Tips:
Always hyphenate compound adjectives before a noun: a well-organized event.
Do not hyphenate when the adjective follows the noun: The event was well organized.
Practice and Exercises
To reinforce your understanding of compound adjectives, try these exercises:
Fill in the blanks with the correct compound adjectives:
She is a ___________ (world/famous) artist.
They live in a ___________ (three/story) house.
He gave a ___________ (well/prepared) presentation.
It was a ___________ (high/speed) chase.
The ___________ (long/term) project was successful.
Correct the mistakes:
A fast moving vehicle (should be hyphenated: fast-moving).
An easily remembered song (correct: no hyphen needed).
A ten year old child (should be hyphenated: ten-year-old).
Real-life scenarios:
Describe a product you like using a compound adjective.
Write a sentence about your favorite place using a compound adjective.
Create sentences for each type of compound adjective structure discussed.