English Language Arts
Grade 10
15 min
Use hyphens in compound adjectives
Use hyphens in compound adjectives
Tutorial Preview
1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify compound adjectives that require hyphenation before a noun.
Differentiate between a compound adjective and a series of separate, coordinate adjectives.
Correctly apply hyphens to number-noun and adjective-participle compounds.
Analyze sentences to determine when a compound modifier does not require a hyphen, such as when it follows a noun.
Recognize and avoid common hyphenation errors, specifically the exception for adverbs ending in '-ly'.
Construct sentences using hyphenated compound adjectives to improve clarity and precision in their own analytical and research writing.
Is it a 'world famous author' or a 'world-famous author'? That tiny hyphen is the key to clear, professional writing and avoiding confusion in yo...
2
Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
HyphenA short punctuation mark (-) used to connect words or parts of words. It is distinct from the longer en dash (–) and em dash (—).The hyphen in 'eco-friendly' connects two words to form a single idea.
Compound AdjectiveTwo or more words that are joined together, often by a hyphen, to function as a single adjective modifying a noun.In the phrase 'a well-written analysis,' the words 'well-written' form a compound adjective describing 'analysis'.
ModifierA word, phrase, or clause that describes, qualifies, or provides more information about another word in the sentence.In 'the fast-paced plot,' the compound adjective 'fast-paced' is a modifier for the noun 'plot'.
NounA word that represents a per...
3
Key Rules & Conventions
The Pre-Noun Position Rule
Hyphenate a compound adjective when it appears *before* the noun it modifies.
This is the primary rule. The hyphen visually links the words, signaling to the reader that they function as a single descriptive unit. For example, 'a high-school student' means a student in high school, whereas 'a high school student' could mean a school student who is high.
The Post-Noun Position Rule
Do not hyphenate the same words when they appear *after* the noun they modify.
When the descriptive words follow the noun, they are no longer a single modifier preceding it, and the meaning is usually clear without the hyphen. For example, 'The student is in high school.' or 'The analysis was well written.'
The '-ly' A...
4 more steps in this tutorial
Sign up free to access the complete tutorial with worked examples and practice.
Sign Up Free to ContinueSample Practice Questions
Challenging
An excerpt from a student's research methodology reads: 'The survey was given to people who were thirty years of age.' How could this be revised for better clarity and conciseness using a compound adjective?
A.The survey was given to thirty-years-of-age people.
B.The survey was given to thirty-year-old people.
C.The survey was given to people who were thirty-year-olds.
D.The survey was given to thirty year old people.
Challenging
Which of the following sentences correctly uses a three-word compound adjective before a noun?
A.Her matter of fact tone surprised the committee.
B.The theory was up to date.
C.She had a holier than thou attitude.
D.She had a holier-than-thou attitude.
Challenging
Considering all the rules from the tutorial (Pre-Noun, Post-Noun, and the '-ly' Adverb Exception), which sentence is punctuated perfectly?
A.The critically-acclaimed, five-act play was well received by the audience.
B.The critically acclaimed, five act play was well-received by the audience.
C.The critically acclaimed, five-act play was well received by the audience.
D.The critically acclaimed, five-act play was well-received by the audience.
Want to practice and check your answers?
Sign up to access all questions with instant feedback, explanations, and progress tracking.
Start Practicing Free