Compound nouns are nouns made up of two or more words that work together as a single noun. These words can be written together, hyphenated, or written as separate words.
Types of Compound Nouns
- Closed Compound Nouns
- Written as a single word.
- Examples: toothpaste, football, bedroom
- Sentence: I need to buy some toothpaste.
- Hyphenated Compound Nouns
- Connected by a hyphen.
- Examples: mother-in-law, check-in, passer-by
- Sentence: My mother-in-law is visiting us this weekend.
- Open Compound Nouns
- Written as separate words.
- Examples: swimming pool, post office, high school
- Sentence: Let’s meet at the post office.
Pluralizing Compound Nouns
For hyphenated and open compounds, pluralize the main noun: mothers-in-law, attorneys general.
Rules:
For closed compounds, pluralize the last word: toothbrushes.