What is Compound Word? Compound Words List and Example Sentences

What is Compound Word? Compound Words List and Example Sentences

Compound Words

It is possible to create compound words by joining two or more words together to make a new phrase. Compound nouns are a constant and everyday element of speaking, writing, and reading in English. We use them so much that sometimes we don’t even realize that they are compound nouns.

Compound nouns are classified into three categories:

Open Compounds: This sort of compound noun is generated by combining two different words that operate as though they are a single entity in terms of grammatical structure. In contrast to a noun phrase, this sort of compound noun differs from a noun phrase in that one word is not acting as a modifier for another. For example, the compound noun “living room” refers to a type of room, whereas the distinct phrases “living and room” relate to a room that is alive.

Here are 950 Most Common Examples of Compound Words in English

Hyphenated Compounds: In many cases, this sort of compound noun is mistaken with the other two categories of a compound noun. It is very usual in newer or less frequently used words to combine two or more words with hyphens to make compound nouns. If a compound noun is composed of more than two words, hyphens will nearly always be used to separate the words. Mother-in-law is an example of this type of compound.

Close Compound: This type of compound word is made by combining two words into a single word such as snowball

To make a single word compound noun (open) you just need to add -s to the end of the word. If the compound noun is hyphenated or formed of two independent words, keep in mind that only the word that is plural should have the s prefix added. Such as:

• snowballs
• three fathers-in-law
• two left-handed students

Pronunciation of Compound Words

In the pronunciation of compound words, stress is significant because it distinguishes between a compound noun and an adjective that is used with a noun. The initial syllable of a compound word is usually the one that receives the most stress.

Compound Words Example Sentences

Here are some other examples of compound nouns:

• Sally is looking for a new babysitter because her old one just resigned.
• My birthday is the 19^th of October.
• Butterflies are so fascinating to me.
• You need to turn the key clockwise.
• If you look at the table close–up, you will see the scratches.
• He bought her a life–size teddy bear for her birthday.
• Nate and Mari just broke up.
• You need to cross out the wrong answers.
• His life was falling apart, and he didn’t even know it.
• I can’t find my lipstick, have you seen it anywhere?
• My favorite thing to eat on hot summer days is ice cream.
• The models started to walk on the runway 20 minutes ago.
• My bed is king–size, and it is incredibly comfortable.
• The famous artist will be going on a tour worldwide to sing his songs.
• When I was in America, I used to eat hamburgers almost every day.
• The kids are watching a baseball game on TV.