Question 1

What is a compound adjective?

Accepted Answer

A compound adjective is a group of words that works as one describing word. In this exercise, the two parts are usually joined with a hyphen, as in "kind-hearted person" or "well-paid teacher." The hyphen shows that the words belong together and describe the noun as a single idea. Without it, the sentence can be harder to read, especially when both words could also stand alone. At B1 level, focus on common forms used in everyday descriptions of people, jobs, time, and character.

Question 2

Do common compound adjectives need a hyphen?

Accepted Answer

Many common compound adjectives use a hyphen when they describe a noun: "a hard-working student," "an old-fashioned jacket," and "a well-known singer." Some words also have closed spellings, such as "homemade" or "hardworking," and this exercise accepts those where they are widely used. The safest habit for clear writing is to join the two describing parts with a hyphen when they work together before a noun. This makes the meaning easier to understand for the reader and prevents the two words being read separately.

Question 3

How can I remember compound adjective spelling?

Accepted Answer

Start by asking what the two words mean together. "Warm-hearted" describes a person with a kind nature, and "short-sighted" describes someone or something that does not look far ahead. Then check whether the pair describes the noun as one idea. If it does, a hyphen is often the clearest spelling in B1 writing. Grouping the words by meaning also helps: personality adjectives, time adjectives, body-description adjectives, and job or pay adjectives often repeat familiar patterns. Short daily review makes these spellings feel less random.

Compound Adjectives - Easy Exercises

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Compound Adjectives - Intermediate

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Compound Nouns - Intermediate

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