Compound adjectives (e.g., time-consuming)
B2 · hyphenation & patterns
pre-/post-position · number-noun compounds
1) What are compound adjectives?
A compound adjective is two (or more) words that act together as one description: a well-known actor, a smoke-free area, a world-class team. We usually connect the parts with hyphens to show they belong together.
Adjectives in English don’t take plural endings, so the noun inside a compound stays singular: a ten-page report (not *ten-pages).
2) Hyphenation: the core rules
- Before a noun Use a hyphen: a long-term plan, high-quality materials.
- After be Often open: The plan is long term. But keep the hyphen if it avoids ambiguity or is a set phrase: The project is world-class.
- No hyphen with -ly adverbs highly respected, perfectly balanced (✗ *highly-respected in most styles).
- Always hyphenate many well-/ill-/self-/ex- compounds before nouns: a well-known writer, an ill-advised move, self-driving cars, an ex-partner.
Hyphens change meaning: a large truck driver (= the driver is large) vs a large-truck driver (= drives large trucks).
3) Common building patterns
| Pattern | Examples | Typical meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Adj + -ing | long-lasting, easy-going, slow-moving | quality + ongoing action |
| Adj + -ed/V3 | old-fashioned, short-lived, ready-made, deep-fried | quality + completed state |
| Adj + N | high-quality, last-minute, full-length | degree/time + head noun |
| N + -ing | time-consuming, English-speaking, record-breaking, mouth-watering | domain + action |
| N + -ed/V3 | home-made, sun-dried, wind-powered, middle-aged, grass-fed | source/method + result |
| N + Adj | ice-cold, sugar-free, world-famous, iron-rich, cruelty-free | noun scales the adjective |
| Adv + -ed/V3 | well-educated, highly respected, brightly lit, densely populated | degree + participle |
4) Number + noun compounds (measures)
number + singular time/measure + noun
- a five-minute break (= five minutes’ break)
- a two-hour drive (= two hours’ drive)
- a three-bedroom apartment
Write the time/measure word in the singular. Numerals or words are both possible—follow your site style.
5) Number + body part + -ed
- one-eyed owl · one-armed statue · two-headed monster · eight-legged spider
These are descriptive labels and keep the hyphen in all positions.
6) Position, spacing & spelling variants
- Before noun a well-known actor
- After be The actor is well known. (hyphen optional if set phrase: world-class)
- Dictionary watch Some compounds vary: homemade/home-made, email/e-mail. Be consistent within a page.
7) Clarity tests (avoid ambiguity)
- Head-link test If two words jointly modify a noun, hyphenate: a small business owner (= owner of a small business) vs a small-business owner (= owner of a small-business company).
- Very/most Don’t hyphenate with very, most, more, less unless needed for clarity: the most useful tool.
- Keep singular a ten-page brochure (✗ *ten-pages brochure).
8) Mini gallery of natural examples
- a short-lived trend
- a high-quality microphone
- a time-consuming task
- an English-speaking audience
- state-of-the-art software (multi-word compound)
- She is well known for her record-breaking research.
Multi-word compounds take a chain of hyphens before the noun; after the noun, many writers keep them hyphenated if they form a fixed label.
9) Quick reference
| Use a hyphen | Leave open | Either (style/clarity) |
|---|---|---|
| Before a noun: a last-minute change | After be: The change was last minute. | Fixed phrases: world-class / world class |
| With well-/ill-/self-/ex- before nouns | With -ly adverbs: highly motivated | Dictionary variants: home-made / homemade |
| Number + singular measure: a two-hour flight | Comparatives: more efficient design | Keep if needed to avoid ambiguity anywhere |
Exercises:
Compound adjectives (e.g., time-consuming)
Choose the correct compound adjectives to complete the sentences below.
1
We dropped the prototype because testing was incredibly
.
2
The app has a
interface that beginners can navigate.
3
Please submit a
report with clear headings and examples.
4
For small teams, this is the most
option we’ve tried.
5
We made a
change to the itinerary when the train was delayed.
6
She’s a
photographer with exhibitions around Europe.
7
Investors want a
strategy, not a quick fix.
8
HR is rolling out
guidelines next quarter.
9
He saved up for a
laptop with a metal body.
10
The lab bought
equipment for the new course.
Compound adjectives (e.g., time-consuming)
Choose the correct compound adjective form for the gaps below.
1
We need a ____ solution to automate routine tasks.
A.
B.
C.
D.
2
The app has a ____ interface that even beginners can use.
A.
B.
C.
D.
3
They’re looking for a ____ strategy, not a quick win.
A.
B.
C.
D.
4
The lab invested in ____ equipment for diagnostics.
A.
B.
C.
D.
5
Please send an ____ summary before noon.
A.
B.
C.
D.
6
She delivered a ____ talk that kept everyone engaged.
A.
B.
C.
D.
7
We’re launching a ____ course for working parents in May.
A.
B.
C.
D.
8
It’s a ____ brand with customers across the globe.
A.
B.
C.
D.
9
They prioritise ____ materials over cheaper alternatives.
A.
B.
C.
D.
10
We conducted a ____ review of the last quarter.
A.
B.
C.
D.
Compound adjectives (e.g., time-consuming)
Fill in each gap using one a suitable compound adjective.
1
Reviewing all these applications is extremely .
2
Unlike her parents, Anna is very about new ideas.
3
To stand out in a crowded market, we need a design.
4
The committee agreed on a plan for sustainability.
5
The new interface is even for beginners.
6
While studying, he found a job at a café.
7
I am not buying a used phone; I want a one.
8
She is a journalist whose articles appear everywhere.
9
We chose a solution that saved money without lowering quality.
10
They made a decision to postpone the launch.