Compound Nouns helps you communicate about naming people, objects, places and concepts precisely. Start with the meaning, notice the pattern, and then use it in complete sentences.
By the end of this lesson, you can
- I can form and interpret common compound nouns.
- Recognise and build the form: noun + noun; adjective + noun; gerund + noun; open, closed or hyphenated forms.
- Use the pattern accurately in a meaningful sentence.
Meaning and use
Use Compound Nouns for naming people, objects, places and concepts precisely. Always read the whole situation before choosing the form: grammar expresses a meaning, not only a pattern.
Please wait at the bus stop.
'Bus stop' is a noun + noun compound naming a place.
She works as a software engineer.
'Software engineer' is a compound naming a profession.
We need to improve customer service.
'Customer service' is a common noun compound.
noun + noun; adjective + noun; gerund + noun; open, closed or hyphenated formsKeep this pattern visible while you study the examples. Then cover it and rebuild one example from memory.
Key rules to notice
These rules explain why the form is correct. Focus on the subject, auxiliary, verb form, word order and time or meaning clues.
- 'Bus stop' is a noun + noun compound naming a place.
- 'Software engineer' is a compound naming a profession.
- 'Customer service' is a common noun compound.
- 'Swimming pool' is a gerund + noun compound.
- 'Washing machine' is the established compound for this appliance.
Common mistakes
Not:Please wait at the bus stationing.
Use:Please wait at the bus stop.
'Bus stop' is a noun + noun compound naming a place.
Not:She works as a software engineering.
Use:She works as a software engineer.
'Software engineer' is a compound naming a profession.
Not:We need to improve customer serve.
Use:We need to improve customer service.
'Customer service' is a common noun compound.
Check before you practise
Complete each sentence mentally, then reveal the answer.
The hotel has a swimming ____.
pool
'Swimming pool' is a gerund + noun compound.
He bought a new washing ____.
machine
'Washing machine' is the established compound for this appliance.
The company introduced a five-year ____.
plan
A hyphenated measurement phrase can modify the noun 'plan'.