Compound Adjectives in English

Summary

This video script explains compound adjectives in English, which are formed by combining two or more words, often with hyphens. Examples are provided for various types, such as compound adjectives with numbers (e.g., 10-minute break), past participles (e.g., narrow-minded), and present participles (e.g., good-looking). The script also covers common errors, like the misuse of plural forms with compound adjectives. The lesson includes practical examples to demonstrate the usage of compound adjectives in sentences, helping learners understand how to form and use them correctly in everyday English.

Takeaways

• 😀 Compound adjectives in English are made up of two or more words, often hyphenated.
• 😀 An example of compound adjectives with numbers includes phrases like '10-minute break' and '2-hour seminar'.
• 😀 Common mistake: Don't use 'S' at the end of compound adjectives with numbers (e.g., '10-minute break' not '10 minutes break').
• 😀 Another type of compound adjective is formed by an adjective or adverb plus a past participle (e.g., 'narrow-minded', 'well-behaved').
• 😀 Compound adjectives can also consist of an adjective or adverb plus the present participle (e.g., 'good-looking', 'long-lasting').
• 😀 Use hyphenation correctly for compound adjectives, such as 'highly respected' or 'well-educated'.
• 😀 Adjective + past participle compound adjectives often describe specific qualities, such as 'thought-provoking' or 'mouthwatering'.
• 😀 Compound adjectives can describe specific traits of people, such as 'kind-hearted' or 'quick-witted'.
• 😀 It's important to recognize the form of compound adjectives when using them in context (e.g., '2-year contract', '3-second delay').
• 😀 Some compound adjectives describe physical characteristics or conditions, such as 'ice-cold' and 'last-minute'.

Q & A

What are compound adjectives in English?

Compound adjectives are formed by combining two or more words with a hyphen, used to describe a noun in more detail. For example, 'well-known', 'three-hour', or 'part-time'.

How do compound adjectives with numbers work?

Compound adjectives with numbers combine a number with a noun or adjective and are hyphenated. For example, 'ten-minute' break or 'two-hour' seminar. Importantly, 's' is not added to the number, e.g., it's 'ten-minute' not 'ten minutes'.

Can you provide an example of a compound adjective with a number?

Sure! An example is 'five-day trip', where 'five-day' is the compound adjective describing the noun 'trip'.

What common mistake should be avoided when using compound adjectives with numbers?

The common mistake is adding an 's' at the end of the number. For instance, we should say 'ten-minute break', not 'ten minutes break'.

What is the meaning of the compound adjective 'narrow-minded'?

'Narrow-minded' refers to someone who is intolerant of new ideas or different views. For example, 'I can't stand narrow-minded people.'

How do compound adjectives with past participles work?

These compound adjectives are formed by combining an adjective or adverb with a past participle. Examples include 'well-behaved', 'old-fashioned', or 'narrow-minded'. They often describe a person or thing with a particular characteristic.

What does the compound adjective 'well-behaved' mean?

'Well-behaved' describes someone or something that behaves properly. For example, 'They have three well-behaved children.'

Give an example of a compound adjective formed with an adjective and a present participle.

An example is 'good-looking', which describes someone attractive or handsome. For instance, 'Who's that good-looking guy?'

What is the difference between 'old-fashioned' and 'outdated'?

'Old-fashioned' refers to something that is from a past time or is no longer in style, while 'outdated' typically means something that is no longer current or useful.

What does 'ice-cold' mean and how is it used?

'Ice-cold' describes something that is extremely cold, often in a pleasant way. For example, 'Nothing better than drinking ice-cold lemonade on a hot summer day.'