Learn English Punctuation: How to use hyphens with compound adjectives

Summary

In this lesson, Adam from EngVid explains the concept of compound adjectives, a vital aspect of English grammar that often confuses learners. He covers their definition, placement rules, and hyphen usage, emphasizing that they always appear before the noun they describe. Adam illustrates different types, including adjective/adverb + participle, noun + participle, body-part adjectives, and number + noun combinations, using clear examples like "fast-healing cut" and "10-year-old boy." He also highlights how hyphens can change meanings, as in "a man-eating lion" versus "a man eating lion." Practical tips for writing and clarity are provided throughout.

Takeaways

• 😀 A compound adjective is a two- or three-word adjective connected by hyphens that functions as a single word before a noun.
• 😀 Compound adjectives always come before the noun they describe; after a noun, the hyphen is usually not needed.
• 😀 Simple adjectives can describe nouns after a verb, e.g., 'The girl is good-looking,' without hyphens.
• 😀 Two separate adjectives describing the same noun are written with a comma, e.g., 'a strong, healing lotion.'
• 😀 Compound adjectives can be formed using an adjective or adverb plus a participle, e.g., 'fast-talking,' 'good-looking,' 'well-known.'
• 😀 Body parts can be combined with adjectives to form compound adjectives, e.g., 'blue-eyed,' 'dark-haired,' 'long-nosed.'
• 😀 Nouns plus participles can form compound adjectives, e.g., 'sun-dried tomatoes,' 'blood-sucking leech.'
• 😀 Numbers plus nouns can create compound adjectives before another noun, e.g., '10-year-old boy,' '10-page essay,' '8-hour shift.'
• 😀 When using numbers in compound adjectives, do not add plural 's' before the noun; after the noun, the plural is used.
• 😀 Hyphens in compound adjectives are important for clarity, especially in writing tasks like IELTS, TOEFL, or academic essays.
• 😀 Compound adjectives can change meaning drastically, e.g., 'a man eating lion' vs. 'a man-eating lion.'

Q & A

What is a compound adjective?

A compound adjective is an adjective made up of two or three words joined by hyphens that act as a single adjective. It always comes before the noun it describes.

Where should a compound adjective be placed in a sentence?

A compound adjective should always be placed before the noun it modifies. If it comes after the noun, it is no longer a compound adjective and does not require a hyphen.

What is the difference between multiple adjectives and a compound adjective?

Multiple adjectives are separate descriptors and are usually separated by commas (e.g., strong, healing lotion), while a compound adjective combines words into one single descriptor with a hyphen (e.g., fast-healing cut).

How is a compound adjective formed using an adjective or adverb with a participle?

It is formed by joining an adjective or adverb with a participle (either '-ing' or past participle '-ed/irregular') using a hyphen, for example: fast-talking salesman, good-looking girl, or well-known professor.

Can body parts be used to form compound adjectives?

Yes, body parts can be combined with adjectives to create compound adjectives, such as dark-haired woman, brown-eyed boy, long-nosed man, thick-lipped woman, or wide-bodied truck.

How do nouns combine with participles to form compound adjectives?

Nouns can be combined with participles to describe another noun, forming compound adjectives. Examples include sun-dried tomatoes, blood-sucking leech, and record-breaking sales.

How are numbers used to create compound adjectives?

When numbers and units describe a noun before the noun, they are joined with hyphens and the noun is singular, for example: 10-storey building, 10-year-old boy, 8-hour shift. After the noun, use plural and no hyphen.

What is the difference in meaning between 'man eating lion' and 'man-eating lion'?

'Man eating lion' means a man is eating a lion, while 'man-eating lion' means a lion that eats men. Hyphens are critical to clarify the meaning.

Do compound adjectives affect word count in formal writing tests like IELTS or TOEFL?

Yes, compound adjectives count as one word instead of two or three, which can help in managing word count in formal writing tasks.

When writing numbers in compound adjectives, should you spell out the number or use digits?

It does not matter whether you spell out the number or use digits; the hyphen and singular form are what matter. For example, both '10-year-old boy' and 'ten-year-old boy' are correct.

What is a general rule for using hyphens with measurements before nouns?

Whenever a number plus a unit of measurement is used before a noun to describe it, use a hyphen to form a compound adjective, for example: five-foot-high wall, 8-hour shift, 10-page essay.