Compound Words

Created by Kathryn Reilly

Compound Word Background• A compound is a word created by combining two

words.

• A compound word may be a combination of– Two nouns– Two adjectives– A noun and an adjective– A verb and a noun– Another combination!

• Compound words are sometimes hyphenated.

Can You Brainstorm Compounds?

• Here’s some examples of compound words:

– Airport– Horseshoe– Rainbow– Eye-opener

Can you brainstorm any others?

Compound Word Examples

– Postcard– Spaceship– Mother-in-law– Rainfall– Reddish-orange– Dropout– Standoff– Viewpoint– watercolor

Hyphenating Compound Words

• Use a hyphen to eliminate reader confusion

– The changing-room is on the right.• Hyphenating changing-room makes it clear this is a

room where people change clothes.

– The changing room is on its fourth paint coat.• Unhyphenated, changing room refers to a room that is

undergoing a remodel.

Hyphenating Compound Words

• Hyphenate a compound word of three or more words

Examples:– Merry-go-round– Father-in-law

The merry-go-round was a playground favorite.My father-in-law loves to go fishing.

Hyphenating Compound Words

• Hyphenate two adjectives joined to describe a noun.

Examples:– Purplish-blue– Mean-looking

The mean-looking dog barked loudly.The purplish-blue sky warned of a storm.

Hyphenating Compound Words• Hyphenate a compound word if it begins with an

adverb that does not end in –ly AND precedes the noun it describes.

Examples:– Much-needed– Well-known

Tony earned a much-needed vacation.Madonna is a well-known celebrity.

When in Doubt…

• …consult a print or online dictionary.

• Either should provide the proper spelling (and whether or not the word is hyphenated).