Compound adjectives are two or more compound words that act as an adjective, i.e., modify the same noun together.
Example
Explanation
Operating in a fast-paced work environment can be stressful.
Fast-paced is a compound adjective.
How to Form Compound Adjectives?
Rule 1: Compound adjectives can contain two singular adjectives, but we can also use other parts of speech to form compound adjectives.
Here is an overview of several different types of compound adjectives:
| Parts of Speech | Compound Adjective |
|---|---|
| adjective + noun / noun + adjective | long-distance, short-term / gluten-free, vegan-friendly |
| number + noun | first-time, fifteen-minute |
| adjective + present participle / adjective + past participle | foreign-speaking, fast-growing / double-checked, deep-fried |
| noun + present participle / noun + past participle | eye-catching, self-criticising / sun-kissed, homemade |
| noun + noun | waterproof, round-neck (top) |
| adverb + past participle | overcrowded, sufficiently insulated |
| Parts of Speech | Compound Adjective |
|---|---|
| adjective + noun / noun + adjective | long-distance, short-term / gluten-free, vegan-friendly |
| number + noun | first-time, fifteen-minute |
| adjective + present participle / adjective + past participle | foreign-speaking, fast-growing / double-checked, deep-fried |
| noun + present participle / noun + past participle | eye-catching, self-criticising / sun-kissed, homemade |
| noun + noun | waterproof, round-neck (top) |
| adverb + past participle | overcrowded, sufficiently insulated |
When to Use a Hyphen?
Usually, compound adjectives need hyphens to avoid confusion or ambiguity, but there are also exceptions.
Rule 2: Certain compound adjectives, also known as open or closed compound adjectives, do not need hyphens even when placed before a noun.
Example
Explanation
He doesn't do pro bono work anymore because it made him feel overworked.
Pro bono is an open compound adjective and overworked is a closed compound adjective.
Rule 3: We use hyphens in compound adjectives that contain numbers.
Example
Explanation
We're going on a three-day trip.
Three-day is a compound adjective that contains number three, so it needs a hyphen.
Note: If the number comes second in a compound adjective, it doesn't need a hyphen.
Example
Explanation
My mother has a Type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 is a compound adjective that contains number 2, but it doesn't need a hyphen because it comes second.
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Rule 4: We always use hyphens in compound adjectives that begin with a comparative or superlative if they come before the nouns they modify.
Example
Explanation
They only use the highest-quality ingredients in their dishes.
The highest-quality is a compound adjective that begins with a superlative the highest and comes before the noun ingredients, so it needs a hyphen.
Note: When such a compound adjectives comes after the noun it modifies, it doesn't need a hyphen.
Example
Explanation
The ingredients were of the highest quality.
The highest quality comes after the noun ingredients, so it doesn't need a hyphen.
Rule 5: We don't use hyphens in compound adjectives if they start with adverbs.
Example
Explanation
You doors and windows should be tightly sealed to avoid drafts.
Tightly sealed is a compound adjective that starts with an adverb tightly, so it doesn't need a hyphen.
Rule 6: We usually use hyphens in multiple-word compound adjectives.
Example
Explanation
There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to choosing a career path.
One-size-fits-all is a multi-word compound adjective. By the way, multi-word is also a compound adjective.
Quiz
1/4
Form a compound adjective correctly. She is interested in ___ photography.
0
correct answers.