Understanding Compound Adjectives: Usage, Rules, and Examples

Definition of Compound Adjective:

A compound adjective is made up of two or more words that work together to describe a noun. These words are often connected by hyphens to show they are a single unit describing the noun. For example, in a well-known author, well-known is a compound adjective describing the author.

Examples:

• The beach was sun-soaked.
• His presentation was fast-paced.
• The couple was well-dressed.
• We ate at a family-owned restaurant.

We use hyphens in compound adjectives when the words come before the noun they are describing.

Before the Noun:
Use a hyphen when the compound adjective comes directly before the noun.

• • A well-known author.

Avoid Ambiguity:
Use a hyphen to avoid confusion or ambiguity.

• • A small-business owner vs. A small business owner

With Numbers and Fractions:
Use a hyphen when numbers or fractions are part of the compound adjective.

• • A ten-year-old child or A thirds majority.

Adverbs Not Ending in -ly:
Use a hyphen with compound adjectives formed from adverbs that do not end in -ly.

• • A well-known fact but A highly regarded scientist  (no hyphen with -ly adverbs).

Part-time and High-profile:
Use a hyphen with common compound adjectives like part-time and high-profile.

• • A part-time job or A high-profile case.

However, when the compound adjective comes after the noun, the hyphen is usually not needed.

• The author is well known.

Comparative Adjectives vs Superlative Adjectives

Comparative Adjectives
Comparative adjectives are used to compare differences between two objects. They typically end in “-er” or are preceded by “more” for longer adjectives.

Examples:

• Tall → Taller
• Fast → Faster
• Beautiful → More Beautiful
• Good → Better
• Expensive → More Expensive

Superlative Adjectives
Superlative adjectives are used to describe an object that is at the upper or lower limit of a quality. They typically end in “-est” or are preceded by “most” for longer adjectives.

Examples:

• Tall → Tallest
• Fast → Fastest
• Beautiful → Most Beautiful
• Good → Best
• Expensive → Most Expensive

Spelling Rules for Comparative Adjectives

One-Syllable Adjectives: Add -er

• Tall → Taller
• Fast → Faster
• Cold → Colder

2. One-Syllable Adjectives Ending in -e: Add -r

• Large → Larger
• Safe → Safer
• Wide → Wider

3. One-Syllable Adjectives Ending in a Single Vowel Followed by a Single Consonant: Double the Consonant and Add -er

• Big → Bigger
• Hot → Hotter
• Thin → Thinner

4. Adjectives with Two Syllables Ending in -y: Change -y to -i and Add -er

• Happy → Happier
• Busy → Busier
• Early → Earlier

5. Adjectives with Two or More Syllables: Use “More” Before the Adjective

• Beautiful → More Beautiful
• Expensive → More Expensive
• Comfortable → More Comfortable

6. Irregular Adjectives

• Good → Better
• Bad → Worse
• Far → Farther