Form and use plurals of compound nouns
Key Notes:
- Definition of Compound Nouns
A compound noun is a noun made up of two or more words combined to create a single noun. These can be written as one word, hyphenated, or as separate words.
Examples: toothpaste, mother-in-law, high school
- General Rule for Forming Plurals of Compound Nouns
In most compound nouns, the main noun (the word that defines the object or person) is made plural.
- Examples:
- mother-in-law → mothers-in-law
- passer-by → passers-by
- editor-in-chief → editors-in-chief
- Compound Nouns Written as One Word
For compound nouns written as a single word, simply add -s to the end to form the plural.
- Examples:
- toothbrush → toothbrushes
- bedroom → bedrooms
- notebook → notebooks
- Compound Nouns Written as Separate Words
When compound nouns are written as separate words, the main noun usually takes the plural form.
- Examples:
- high school → high schools
- bus stop → bus stops
- swimming pool → swimming pools
- Hyphenated Compound Nouns
For hyphenated compound nouns, the most significant word (often the first noun) is pluralized.
- Examples:
- brother-in-law → brothers-in-law
- runner-up → runners-up
- commander-in-chief → commanders-in-chief
- Exceptions and Irregular Forms
Some compound nouns may have irregular plural forms, where both elements are plural or follow unique patterns.
- Examples:
- man-of-war → men-of-war
- notary public → notaries public
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