GRAMMAR REVIEW: What is a compound adjective?
A compound adjective is made of two (or more) words that work together as one adjective to describe a noun.
They are usually hyphenated when they come before a noun.
Examples:
• a well-known singer
• a full-time job
Tips for using compound adjectives:
1. Use a hyphen before a noun
When the compound adjective comes before the noun, use a hyphen.
✔️ She gave a last-minute answer.
❌ She gave a last minute answer.
2. No hyphen after the noun (usually)
When the adjective comes after the noun, the hyphen is often not needed.
✔️ The answer was last minute.
✔️ The singer is well known.
3. Common patterns to remember
Here are some common and useful forms:
• Adverb + adjective
well-known, highly-skilled, badly-written
• Number + noun
five-year-old child, ten-minute break
• Adjective + noun
full-time job, high-speed train
4. Use singular nouns in compound adjectives
Even if the meaning is plural, the noun stays singular.
✔️ a two-week holiday
❌ a two-weeks holiday
5. Check meaning without the hyphen
If removing the hyphen changes the meaning, you probably need the hyphen.
• small-business owner (owner of a small business)
• small business owner (could be unclear)
HAVE YOU TRIED THESE EXERCISES?
Antonyms 1
Antonyms 2
Compound adjectives in English 1
Compound adjectives in English 2
Compound adjectives in English 3
Compound adjectives in English 4
Compound nouns 1
Compound nouns 2
Which suffix? -FUL or -LESS? 1
Which suffix? -FUL or -LESS? 2
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