Form compound words

key Notes:

Definition of Compound Words

• A compound word is formed when two or more words are combined to create a new word with a unique meaning.
• Example: “sun” + “flower” = “sunflower”

Types of Compound Words

• Closed Compound Words: The words are written as a single word without spaces.
  • Example: “notebook,” “toothbrush”
• Hyphenated Compound Words: The words are joined by a hyphen.
  • Example: “mother-in-law,” “well-being”
• Open Compound Words: The words are written separately but together convey a single idea.
  • Example: “ice cream,” “post office”

How to Form Compound Words

• Identify two words that can be combined to create a new meaning.
• Determine if they should be closed, hyphenated, or open based on common usage and context.
• Practice combining words to see how they can change meaning when put together.

Examples of Compound Words

• Closed Compounds:
  • “bedroom” (bed + room)
  • “raincoat” (rain + coat)
• Hyphenated Compounds:
  • “sister-in-law” (sister + in + law)
  • “well-known” (well + known)
• Open Compounds:
  • “living room” (living + room)
  • “high school” (high + school)

Understanding Meaning Changes

• Compound words often take on a different meaning than the individual words.
  • Example: “foot” (part of the body) + “ball” (a round object) = “football” (a sport)

Let’s practice!