litumi
B2 · Pre-advanced15 min

Compound adjectives

Syllabus topic 26: Compound adjectives

Compound adjectives. Compound adjectives often join words before a noun with hyphens: well-known, time-consuming, five-year-old.

How it works

Compound adjectives often join words before a noun with hyphens: well-known, time-consuming, five-year-old. Number units normally stay singular. Adverb + participle combinations with an -ly adverb normally do not need a hyphen. Some forms are lexicalised; consult a dictionary for unusual compounds.

Examples in context

Notice how each form fits its sentence. Read the context before choosing a form.

  • It is a time-consuming process.
  • She is a well-known author.
  • They adopted a three-year-old child.
  • The report was carefully written.
  • It was a last-minute decision. (made at the final moment)

Your progress

Ready to move on?

Mark this lesson as studied when you have finished the explanation.

My plan

Let's practice

Try it yourself

Your answers and place are saved on this device.
Question 1 of 50% complete

It is a ___ process.

Keep learning

Choose your next small step

Continue this topic or practice every English skill at the same level.

Can't find the English topic you need? Request a lesson or test.

All B2 grammar lessons