A compound adjective is an adjective made up of two or more words. These words work together to describe a single idea about a noun. Typically, a hyphen is used to join these words when they appear before the noun they modify. This creates a single descriptive expression that enhances clarity in communication.
Basic Definition
When two or more words are combined to function as a single adjective, they are called compound adjectives. For example:
I live in an English-speaking country.
Here, English-speaking acts as one adjective to describe the type of country. The hyphen links the words English and speaking to show they form a single idea.
Structure of Compound Adjectives
Compound adjectives can be formed using different types of words, including nouns, adjectives, adverbs, and participles. Let’s explore some common structures with practical examples.
Common Forms of Compound Adjectives
1. Number + Noun
When a number is combined with a noun to form a compound adjective, the noun remains singular. The number is often written as a word and joined to the noun with a hyphen:
I work eight hours every day. I work an eight-hour day.
She is going on a three-week vacation.
The project had a five-second delay.
This structure is frequently used to describe durations, measurements, and ages.
Tomorrow we’ll take a five-hour journey.
He is a six-year-old boy.
2. Adverb + Past Participle
An adverb combined with a past participle forms a compound adjective. This structure highlights the quality or state of the noun:
This is a brightly-lit room.
She is a well-known actress.
They live in a densely-populated area.
3. Noun + Past Participle
In this case, a noun combines with a past participle to describe the noun more specifically:
We should start using wind-powered generators.
I love eating sun-dried raisins.
4. Noun + Present Participle
A noun combined with a present participle creates vivid imagery and dynamic descriptions:
I bought some mouth-watering strawberries.
That was a record-breaking jump.
5. Noun + Adjective
This structure involves combining a noun with an adjective to create a descriptive term:
She is a world-famous singer.
This is a smoke-free restaurant.
6. Adjective + Noun
An adjective combined with a noun can also form a compound adjective:
It was a last-minute decision.
We watched the full-length version of the movie.
7. Adjective + Past Participle
This form pairs an adjective with a past participle:
That is an old-fashioned dress.
Reptiles are cold-blooded creatures.
8. Adjective + Present Participle
Here, an adjective combines with a present participle to describe something actively:
She is a good-looking girl.
It left a long-lasting impression.
Rules for Hyphen Usage
Use a hyphen when the compound adjective appears before the noun:
This is a world-famous museum.
We walked into a brightly-lit room.
Do not use a hyphen when the compound adjective appears after the noun:
This museum is world famous.
The room was brightly lit.
Additional Examples
A good-looking girl (una muchacha linda)
A well-dressed woman (una mujer bien vestida)
A pair of high-heeled shoes (un par de zapatos de tacos altos)
A long-legged model (una modelo de piernas largas)
A left-handed boxer (un boxeador zurdo)
Practical Applications
Compound adjectives are widely used in both formal and informal English. They improve clarity, reduce ambiguity, and make descriptions more engaging. For instance:
Instead of saying, She is a girl who looks good, we say, She is a good-looking girl.
Instead of writing, This room has bright lighting, we simplify it as, This is a brightly-lit room.
By understanding and using compound adjectives effectively, you can communicate ideas more precisely and fluently.
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