Compound Adjectives: Meaning, Types, How To Use

Words that combine two or more words to form an adjective are known as compound adjectives. They are an effective tool for speakers and writers who wish to use language that is more precise, brief, and evocative. In this blog below we will give you all the details regarding compound adjectives. Continue reading below. 

What are Compound Adjectives

When two or more adjectives are combined to modify a single noun, a compound adjective is created. It is best to hyphenate these nouns to prevent ambiguity or misinterpretation.

Exceptions

It should be noted that an adjective and an adverb do not combine to form a compound adjective. Since it is obviously evident that the adverb affects the adjective rather than the following noun, there is no need for a hyphen.

Also Read: Want to improve your English? You should definitely read these Best English Grammar Books.

Types of Compound Adjectives

Two singular adjectives are not always present in a compound adjective. We understand it may sound a little unclear, therefore the following chart should provide further clarification:

Parts of Speech	Examples
Noun+Part Participle	Whitewashed, homegrown, sun-dried
Adjective+Noun	Short-term, long-distance, first-time
Number+Noun	Second-place, four-wheel, nineteenth-century
Noun+Noun	Bulletproof, seasick, meat eater
Adjective+Present Participle	Spanish-speaking, Fast-talking, backwards-facing
Adjective+Past Participle	Deep-fried, double-baked, warm-blooded
Noun+Present Participle	French-speaking, self-effacing, mouth-watering
Noun+Adjective	Ice-cold, cruelty-free, sky-blue
Adverb+Past Paarticiple	Tightly wound, undercooked, overpopulated

Also Read: History of English Literature

Lists of Compound Adjectives

Hyphens are typically used to identify compound adjectives. A small selection of compound adjective examples can be found in the list below:

👉Blue-eyed

👉Brand-new

👉Dark-haired

👉Deep-sea

👉Easy-going

👉Good-looking

👉Hard-working

👉High-quality

👉Ill-mannered

👉Long-lasting

👉Middle-aged

👉Never-ending

👉Old-fashioned

👉Part-time

👉Well-known

👉Well-written

👉Yellow-striped

Where Do You Include a Compound Adjective in a Sentence?

Adjectives that are compound can be used in the same contexts as other adjectives. They can therefore be employed as predicate adjectives with linking verbs, or they can come right before nouns or pronouns.

Example: The self-taught artist had a natural talent for painting.

Difference Between Compound Adjectives and Compound Nouns

The function that a compound adjective and compound noun have in a sentence is the primary distinction between them. In contrast to a compound noun, which acts as a noun that performs or is given the action in a phrase, a compound adjective functions as an adjective that alters the noun or pronoun in a sentence.

How to Use

Compound adjectives can be handled just as standard adjectives, despite the hyphens and multi-word composition. They can come before the noun you wish to change:

For example, The red-eyed bird flew away.

Additionally, they can also be treated as a predicate adjective and placed at the end of a sentence. 

Tips for Using Correctly

Here are some tips for using compound adjectives correctly:

• Use a hyphen to connect two or more words when they form a single adjective before a noun. Example state-of-the-art hospital, a brand-new car, well-informed student.
• Do not use a hyphen when two or more words form a compound adjective after a noun. Example: The hospital was state-of-the-art. The car was brand-new. The student was well-informed.
• Use a hyphen when a compound adjective begins with an adverb ending in -ly.
  Example: highly intelligent child, deeply philosophical discussion, extremely talented musician.
• Do not use a hyphen when a compound adjective begins with a number or a proper noun.
  Example: a ten-year-old girl, a French-speaking country, New England town.

Also Read: Abstract Nouns: Definition, Examples and Usage

FAQs

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