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Here are the most common mistakes with compound nouns:
1. Writing a compound noun as two words when it should be one
Mistake:
❌ note book
Correct:
✔️ notebook
Why?
Some compound nouns are written as one word. You often need to check a dictionary.
2. Writing a compound noun as one word when it should be two
Mistake:
❌ diningtable
Correct:
✔️ dining table
Why?
Many compound nouns are open compounds (two separate words).
3. Forgetting the hyphen in hyphenated compound nouns
Mistake:
❌ mother in law
Correct:
✔️ mother-in-law
Why?
Some compound nouns must be hyphenated.
4. Pluralizing the wrong word
Mistake:
❌ mother-in-laws
Correct:
✔️ mothers-in-law
Why?
In compound nouns, the main noun usually takes the plural form.
5. Pluralizing both parts
Mistake:
❌ passers-bys
Correct:
✔️ passers-by
Why?
Only one part (the main noun) becomes plural.
6. Using hyphens incorrectly with -ing nouns
Mistake:
❌ swimming-pool
Correct:
✔️ swimming pool
Why?
Many -ing compound nouns are open compounds (no hyphen).
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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