Course on Compound Nouns - TOEIC® Preparation
Compound nouns in English are formed by the combination of multiple words to create a new meaning. They are commonly used and can be composed of two or more words. These words can be written in different forms: as a single word, separated by a space, or with a hyphen.
1. The different forms of compound nouns
| Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Single word | notebook, toothpaste, football |
| With a hyphen | mother-in-law, check-in, six-pack |
| With a space | police station, ice cream, high school |
2. The formation of compound nouns
Compound nouns can be formed from different grammatical combinations, including nouns, verbs, adjectives, and prepositions. Here are the most common combinations:
| Structure | Examples |
|---|---|
| Noun + Noun | toothpaste, school bus, bookshelf |
| Adjective + Noun | blackboard, greenhouse, full moon |
| Verb + Noun | swimming pool, washing machine, dining table |
| Noun + Verb (-ing) | haircut, sunrise, snowfall |
| Verb + Preposition | checkout, lookout, breakthrough |
| Preposition + Noun | underworld, underground, aftershock |
3. The plural of compound nouns
The plural of compound nouns varies depending on their structure. Here are the main rules:
A. Adding -s to the main word
When the main word of the compound noun is a noun, it is the one that takes the plural form.
- toothbrush → toothbrushes
- brother-in-law → brothers-in-law
- school bus → school buses
B. Adding -s at the end for merged words
If the compound noun is written as a single word, simply add an -s at the end.
- notebook → notebooks
- football → footballs
C. Irregular cases
Some compound nouns have an irregular plural, often based on the form of the first word.
- man-of-war → men-of-war
- passerby → passersby
Other courses
Here are other grammar courses for the TOEIC®: