Grammar

Understanding Compound Adjectives: Usage, Rules, and Examples

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.

When should we use the hyphen?

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
Compound Adjectives Examples:
  • The cat is short-haired.
  • It’s a high-tech gadget.
  • She wore a red-dress.
  • The cake was chocolate-covered.
  • We took a last-minute trip.
  • The car has four-wheel drive.
  • He’s a well-known actor.
  • It’s a three-story building.
  • The cake is vanilla-flavored.
  • The room has a low-ceiling.
Understanding Compound Adjectives: Usage, Rules, and Examples

Understanding Compound Adjectives: Usage, Rules, and Examples