Compound adjectives
B2 Upper IntermediateCompound adjectives are multi-word modifiers that function as a single unit to describe a noun. They often use hyphens to clarify meaning and prevent ambiguity when placed before a noun.
Overview
Compound adjectives combine two or more words to create a specific meaning that a single adjective cannot convey. They are most frequently formed by combining numbers with nouns, adjectives with nouns, or nouns with present or past participles. When these modifiers appear before the noun they describe, they are typically joined by a hyphen to show they function as one idea.
Form
Adjective/Noun/Number + Noun/Participle
The most common structures include:
- Number + Noun: The noun must be in the singular form (e.g., a ten-minute break).
- Adjective + Noun: Often used for physical descriptions (e.g., a long-term project).
- Noun + Participle: Using either the -ing or -ed form (e.g., a mouth-watering meal, a sun-dried tomato).
Examples
Common mistakes
It was a five-miles walk.
It was a five-mile walk.
When a number and noun function as a compound adjective, the noun must be singular.
The project was very long term.
The project was very long-term.
While some style guides omit hyphens after the noun, B2 learners should use them for clarity in compound modifiers.
Hyphenated vs. Non-hyphenated
Hyphens are essential when the meaning might be confused. For example, a 'man-eating shark' is dangerous, but a 'man eating shark' is just a person having dinner.
| Position | Example | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Before the noun | A well-known actor | Use a hyphen to link the words. |
| After the noun | The actor is well known | Usually, no hyphen is required. |
Practice
Rewrite the phrase using a compound adjective: 'A flight that lasts for six hours.'
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A six-hour flight
Answer:A six-hour flight
Why:The number and noun combine to modify 'flight'. The noun 'hour' must be singular and connected with a hyphen.
Correct the error: 'We are staying in a five-stars hotel.'
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We are staying in a five-star hotel.
Answer:We are staying in a five-star hotel.
Why:In a number-noun compound adjective, the noun (star) never takes a plural 's'.
Choose the correct form: 'She is a (world famous / world-famous) scientist.'
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world-famous
Answer:world-famous
Why:Because the adjective comes before the noun 'scientist', a hyphen is used to join the two parts of the compound.