Compound adjectives are groups of words in grammar that team up to describe something. Instead of using one word, we use two or more to give more details more simply. Compound Adjectives Example include, instead of saying “fast car,” we can say “speedy car.” These word pairs help us say exactly what we mean without using too many words. They make our sentences shorter and clearer. When you see two words together before a noun, like “happy family” or “green apple,” that’s a compound adjective. It’s an easy way to make your sentences better and tell people more about what you’re talking about.
Compound Adjective Definition, Types, Usage with Examples
What are Compound Adjectives?
A compound adjective combines two or more words that work together to modify a noun. These words are often hyphenated when they appear together before a noun to create a single descriptive phrase. Compound adjectives help provide more specific and nuanced information about the noun they modify.
Examples:
- The cat found a sunlit spot.
- He wore a three-piece suit.
- The chef baked a mouth-watering cake.
- They explored ancient ruins.
- She got a last-minute invitation.
Types of Compound Adjectives:
- Hyphenated Compound Adjectives
- Adjective + Adjective Compound Adjectives
- Adjective + Noun Compound Adjectives
- Noun + Present Participle Compound Adjectives
- Number + Noun Compound Adjectives
- Proper Noun + Adjective Compound Adjectives
- Adverb + Past Participle Compound Adjectives
- Color + Noun Compound Adjectives
- Preposition + Noun Compound Adjectives
- Adjective + Gerund Compound Adjectives
Hyphenated Compound Adjective:
These adjectives are formed by combining two or more words with a hyphen.
Examples:
- a well-known author
- a high-speed train
- a two-year-old child
Adjective + Adjective Compound Adjective:
Two adjectives are combined to create a compound adjective.
Examples:
- a dark blue sky
- a cold-hearted person
- a small-sized car
Adjective + Noun Compound Adjective:
An adjective and a noun are joined to describe another noun.
Examples:
- a fast-food restaurant
- a bitter-sweet experience
- a hot-tempered boss
Noun + Present Participle Compound Adjective:
A noun and a present participle (ending in -ing) form a compound adjective.
Examples:
- a time-consuming task
- a money-saving tip
- It’s a thought-provoking movie
Number + Noun Compound Adjective:
A number and a noun are combined to modify another noun.
Examples:
- a ten-year plan
- a five-star hotel
- a two-day event
Proper Noun + Adjective Compound Adjective:
Proper nouns are combined with adjectives to create descriptive phrases.
Examples:
- a Parisian cafe
- a Shakespearean play
- a Victorian mansion
Adverb + Past Participle Compound Adjective:
An adverb and a past participle (often ending in -ed) form a compound adjective.
Examples:
- a well-prepared meal
- a carefully crafted document
- a beautifully written poem
Color + Noun Compound Adjective:
Colors are used with nouns to create compound adjectives.
Examples:
- a red-haired woman
- a blue-eyed boy
- a green-themed party
Preposition + Noun Compound Adjective:
Prepositions are combined with nouns to modify other nouns.
Examples:
- an out-of-town visitor
- an under-the-table deal
- an on-the-go lifestyle.
Adjective + Gerund Compound Adjective:
An adjective and a gerund form a compound adjective.
Examples:
- : a boring-to-tears lecture
- a thrilling-to-watch performance
- a fascinating-to-read book.
Usage of Compound Adjective:
Business Reports:
- The company adopted a cost-effective strategy.
- Employees attended a half-day training.
- A market-driven approach boosted sales.
- The CEO announced a company-wide initiative.
- The team proposed a customer-centric model.
Technology:
- The device had a user-friendly interface.
- We connected to a wireless network.
- The software featured a real-time update.
- An AI-driven algorithm enhanced efficiency.
- The company launched a next-gen product.
Travel and Leisure:
- The hotel offered a sea-view room.
- Our vacation included a day-long excursion.
- We explored a hidden gem destination.
- The cruise had an all-inclusive package.
- A guided tour showcased local landmarks.
Education:
- The workshop provided a hands-on experience.
- Students joined a weekend seminar.
- The library hosted a year-end event.
- She pursued a self-paced learning program.
- The scholarship recognized academic achievement.
Health and Wellness:
- The diet emphasized a plant-based approach.
- We attended a mindfulness retreat.
- The clinic offered a same-day appointment.
- A low-impact workout improves fitness.
- The study explored a long-term impact.
Compound Adjective Examples:
- The cat found a sunlit spot.
- He wore a three-piece suit.
- The chef baked a mouth-watering cake.
- They explored ancient ruins.
- She got a last-minute invitation.
- Students submitted handwritten essays.
- The athlete set a world record.
- We admired the snow-covered landscape.
- The team had a day-long session.
- The movie had award-winning performances.
Compound Adjective Exercise:
1. Which of the following is an example of a compound adjective?
a) Quickly
b) Beautifully
c) Red-haired
d) Tall
2. Identify the compound adjective in the sentence: “The ________________ mountain stood majestic against the sky.”
a) Tall
b) Majestic
c) Snow-covered
d) Blue
3. In the phrase “a ________________ car,” which option correctly completes the compound adjective?
a) Fast
b) Red
c) Four-door
d) Expensive
4. What is the compound adjective in the sentence: “The movie had a ________________ storyline.”
a) Exciting
b) Well-written
c) Plot
d) Great
5. Choose the correct compound adjective in the sentence: “She wore a ________________ dress to the party.”
a) Blue
b) Elegant
c) Long-sleeved
d) Beautiful
Answers:
- c) Red-haired
- c) Snow-covered
- c) Four-door
- b) Well-written
- c) Long-sleeved
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