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
Choose the correct option to complete each sentence 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
Choose the correct options for the gaps in these sentences.
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
Rewrite the second part of the sentence without repeating the verb or verb phrase. Include ‘to’ when it is required. Don’t include ‘to’ when it can be dropped.
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.