Question 1

Why is it a five-star hotel and not five-stars hotel?

Accepted Answer

When a number compound comes before a noun, the noun inside the compound usually stays singular. We say "a five-star hotel," "a three-bedroom flat," and "a ten-year-old child." The whole compound works like one adjective, and adjectives in English do not normally become plural before a noun. The plural meaning is already clear from the number, so adding -s to the inner noun is unnecessary. This is a common B1-B2 test point because the plural noun may sound tempting, especially in longer descriptions.

Question 2

What makes self-confident and self-aware different from other compounds?

Accepted Answer

Compounds that begin with "self-" are normally written with a hyphen: "self-confident," "self-aware," "self-employed," and "self-taught." The hyphen connects "self" to the second part and shows that the word describes something connected with a person independently or personally. Unlike some everyday compounds that can become one word over time, "self-" forms usually keep the hyphen in standard writing. This makes them easier to spot and easier to spell consistently in exercises and formal writing. Treat the whole expression as one adjective.

Question 3

What are noun plus participle compound adjectives?

Accepted Answer

Noun plus participle compound adjectives combine a noun with an -ing or -ed form to describe an effect, action, or quality. Examples include "time-consuming," "eye-catching," "record-breaking," and "red-haired." The first part gives the area or object, and the second part explains what happens or what quality is present. These adjectives are useful because they make descriptions shorter and more natural: "a time-consuming task" is clearer than "a task that consumes a lot of time." Practise them as whole word groups, not as separate words.

Compound Adjectives - Intermediate Exercises

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