Hyphenated Compound Words
Last are hyphenated compound words, which have hyphens between them. These can be difficult to spell if you’re not sure if there’s a hyphen or a space, so start with a compound word list and work your way up to learning each individual spelling. Otherwise, you can quickly seek out the right spelling using a spell checker.
When hyphenated compound words are nouns, make sure to pluralize the appropriate portion. Unlike open compound terms, you do not necessarily pluralize the group’s final word. For example, with the hyphenated compound term mother-in-law, you pluralize mother rather than law.
Incorrect: Some spouses don’t like their mother-in-laws, but I get along with mine.
Correct: Some spouses don’t like their mothers-in-law, but I get along with mine.
However, each hyphenated compound word is different, and sometimes the s comes at the end. For example, the plural of merry-go-round is merry-go-rounds.
The merry-go-rounds are my favorite part of any amusement park.
As an adjective, a hyphenated compound word acts the same as a hyphen with compound modifiers.
The twenty-year-old students tried a long-distance relationship.
Examples of Hyphenated Compound Words
- check-in
- clean-cut
- editor-in-chief
- empty-handed
- far-fetched
- father-in-law, mother-in-law, sister-in-law,etc.
- free-for-all
- know-how
- know-it-all
- life-size
Compound Words: Definition, Types & Uses
Language is a dynamic and ever-changing thing, shaped by the imagination and intelligence of its speakers. The usage of compound words is one of the most intriguing aspects of language formation. These linguistic wonders are created by combining two or more words to produce a new, often subtle meaning. While compound words are a part of everyday conversation, deciding whether to use spaces, hyphens, or neither can be complicated.
In this blog, we will delve into the details of compound words, looking at their structure, importance, and function in improving our communication.
Table of Content
- What is a Compound Word?
- Types of Compound Words
- Open Compound Words
- Closed Compound Words
- Hyphenated Compound Words
- Compound Word Formation
- List of Commonly-Used Compound Words in English
- Things to Keep in Mind When Forming Compound Words