What are compound phrases?
Compound phrases are when two or extra phrases come collectively, making a brand new phrase that features as a single phrase.
They are often:
- nouns: ice cream, mailbox, merry-go-round
- verbs: babysit, take off, double-check
- adjectives: long-term, selfmade, bulletproof
- adverbs: singlehandedly, self-consciously
- prepositions: inside, with out
As you may see from these examples of compound phrases, there are three sorts:
- “Open” compound phrases (with an area between them)
police officer, scorching canine, highschool - “Closed” compound phrases (with no house between them)
bed room, popcorn, firefighter - Hyphenated compound phrases
well-dressed, vanity, mother-in-law
Let’s study 100 compound phrases in English, with instance sentences! This record of compound phrases is split into the three sorts (open, closed, and hyphenated compound phrases) and every kind is split into “simpler” compound phrases and “extra superior” compound phrases.
Compound Phrases Record
Open compound phrases: Simpler
BLACK EYE
- Definition: A bruise or discoloration across the eye, sometimes brought on by an affect to the realm.
- Instance: After unintentionally strolling right into a door, he had a black eye that made him seem like he had been in a struggle.
BUS STOP
- Definition: A spot the place buses decide up and drop off passengers.
- Instance: I waited on the bus cease for the downtown bus to reach so I may get to work.
CELL PHONE
- Definition: A transportable digital system used for making calls, sending messages, and accessing numerous purposes and the web.
- Instance: She used her cellphone to take photos and publish them on social media throughout the live performance.
COFFEE SHOP
- Definition: A spot the place espresso and numerous drinks, in addition to snacks and desserts, are served, typically offering a comfy environment for stress-free and socializing.
- Instance: The espresso store on the nook is my favourite place to work and luxuriate in a latte.
COTTON BALL
- Definition: A small ball made of sentimental, absorbent cotton, sometimes used for cleansing, making use of cosmetics, or medicinal functions.
- Instance: The nurse used a cotton ball to use antiseptic to the small wound earlier than putting a bandage on it.
FIRST AID
- Definition: Fast and fundamental medical care given for an damage or sudden sickness, till it’s doable to get skilled medical help.
- Instance: The hiker used his first support equipment to deal with a minor minimize he obtained whereas on the path.
FRYING PAN
- Definition: A flat, shallow cooking software with a deal with, sometimes used for frying, sautéing, or searing meals.
- Instance: She heated the oil within the frying pan earlier than including the greens for stir-frying.
GROCERY STORE
- Definition: A retailer that sells numerous meals and family merchandise.
- Instance: I would like to select up some substances on the native grocery retailer earlier than making ready dinner.
HIGH SCHOOL
- Definition: A college sometimes attended by college students aged 14 to 18, often earlier than faculty or college.
- Instance: She graduated from highschool final yr and is now making ready to attend a college.
ICE SKATE
- Definition: A boot with a blade, designed for gliding over ice surfaces, for enjoyable or competitors.
- Instance: Throughout the winter, households typically lease ice skates and luxuriate in some out of doors skating on the frozen lake.
LAWN MOWER
- Definition: A mechanical system used for slicing and sustaining the grass in a backyard or yard.
- Instance: The grass is getting lengthy, so I’ll get the garden mower and begin slicing it.
LIVING ROOM
- Definition: A room in a home or residence used for on a regular basis rest and social actions, often containing sofas, chairs, and a tv.
- Instance: The lounge is the place the household gathers to look at films and play board video games.
POLICE OFFICER
- Definition: A legislation enforcement skilled answerable for sustaining public order, implementing legal guidelines, and guaranteeing the security and safety of the neighborhood.
- Instance: The police officer arrived on the scene of the accident to direct visitors and supply help to the injured.
POST OFFICE
- Definition: A spot offering postal providers, together with sending and receiving mail and packages.
- Instance: I have to cease by the publish workplace to mail a bundle and purchase some stamps.
ROLLER COASTER
- Definition: A trip consisting of a collection of automobiles or carriages that journey alongside a curving, elevated observe with sudden drops, loops, and turns for an thrilling expertise.
- Instance: The curler coaster on the theme park is understood for its thrilling twists and turns.
RUBBER BAND
- Definition: A stretchable ring manufactured from rubber or elastic materials, typically used to carry gadgets collectively or present stress.
- Instance: She used a rubber band to carry the playing cards collectively so that they wouldn’t scatter.
SALAD DRESSING
- Definition: A liquid sauce placed on salads to offer extra taste, typically consisting of assorted substances like oil, vinegar, herbs, and spices.
Instance: He drizzled balsamic French dressing salad dressing over the contemporary greens.
SCIENCE FICTION
- Definition: A style of literature, movie, or artwork that explores imaginative and speculative ideas, typically involving futuristic know-how, house journey, and otherworldly phenomena.
- Instance: The novel is a traditional work of science fiction, envisioning a future the place people colonize distant planets.
SERVING SPOON
- Definition: A big spoon with a broad, deep bowl used for serving meals, particularly for transferring parts from a serving dish to particular person plates.
- Instance: She used a serving spoon to dish out the mashed potatoes throughout dinner.
Open compound phrases: Extra Superior
BLOOD PRESSURE
- Definition: The power of blood in opposition to the partitions of the arteries, used as an indicator of coronary heart well being.
- Instance: The physician checks your blood stress as a part of a routine checkup.
AMUSEMENT PARK
- Definition: A spot with numerous rides, sights, and video games designed to supply leisure and pleasure.
- Instance: Tickets to the amusement park are costlier on the weekends.
CASE STUDY
- Definition: An in depth evaluation of a selected topic, state of affairs, or particular person to realize insights, draw conclusions, or develop an understanding of the subject.
- Instance: On the assembly, I’ll current a case examine on how our product decreased industrial waste by 68% at one manufacturing unit.
COMMON SENSE
- Definition: Sensible and sound judgment based mostly on rationality and a shared understanding of what’s typically thought of affordable.
- Instance: Utilizing frequent sense, she determined to deliver an umbrella when the climate forecast predicted rain.
COTTON CANDY
- Definition: A candy deal with made by heating and liquefying sugar, then spinning it by tiny holes to create nice threads, that are collected onto a cone or stick.
- Instance: Kids on the truthful loved the pink and blue cotton sweet.
CURTAIN ROD
- Definition: A metallic or picket rod used to hold curtains above home windows and doorways.
- Instance: She put in an ornamental curtain rod in the lounge to enrich the brand new window curtains.
FLASH FLOOD
- Definition: When an space is abruptly coated by loads of water, typically brought on by heavy rainfall or a sudden launch of water.
- Instance: The world skilled a flash flood after a extreme thunderstorm, inflicting harm to properties and roads.
FOOD POISONING
- Definition: Illness brought on by consuming contaminated or spoiled meals, typically characterised by signs similar to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdomen discomfort.
- Instance: They obtained meals poisoning after consuming meat from a avenue cart that had been sitting within the solar all morning.
FOSTER PARENTS
- Definition: Adults who present momentary care, help, and a house for youngsters who can’t be with their organic dad and mom resulting from numerous household circumstances or crises.
- Instance: The foster dad and mom cared for the kid till a everlasting dwelling may very well be discovered.
GOLDEN RETRIEVER
- Definition: A well-liked breed of canine recognized for its pleasant and delicate temperament, in addition to its stunning golden-colored fur.
- Instance: The golden retriever is a superb household pet as a result of it’s pleasant and dependable.
HIGH CHAIR
- Definition: A particular chair designed for infants to sit down in whereas consuming, sometimes outfitted with a seatbelt and a tray for holding meals.
- Instance: They put their child within the excessive chair and fed him applesauce.
JELLY BEAN
- Definition: A small, bean-shaped sweet created from sugar or gelatin and flavored with numerous candy and fruity tastes.
- Instance: My daughter obtained a bag filled with jelly beans to take dwelling from the celebration.
JUMPING JACKS
- Definition: A bodily train through which an individual jumps and spreads their legs aside whereas bringing their arms collectively overhead, then jumps their legs again collectively and brings their arms down.
- Instance: The health coach included leaping jacks within the warm-up routine to get the individuals’ coronary heart charges up.
LIFE VEST/JACKET
- Definition: A floating jacket you put on for security in water, ensuring you keep on the floor of the water and stopping drowning in emergencies.
- Instance: After they went canoeing on the lake, they made positive everybody wore a life vest for security.
LIGHT BULB
- Definition: A tool that produces mild by passing an electrical present by a filament or fuel, sometimes used for lighting properties and buildings.
- Instance: She modified the burnt-out mild bulb within the lamp to brighten up the room.
MOUNTAIN BIKE
- Definition: A kind of bicycle particularly designed for driving on trails exterior of roads/sidewalks, with options like sturdy frames and knobby tires.
- Instance: He enjoys driving his mountain bike within the close by forest.
REAL ESTATE
- Definition: Property or land, together with buildings and pure sources, that may be purchased, offered, or rented, typically used for residential, business, or funding functions.
- Instance: The actual property market within the metropolis is booming, with numerous new housing developments being constructed.
STREET SMARTS
- Definition: Sensible data and consciousness about navigating city or on a regular basis conditions, typically acquired by private expertise and remark.
- Instance: He obtained his avenue smarts due to rising up in a giant metropolis and at all times needing to be alert.
SWEET TOOTH
- Definition: A powerful desire or yearning for candy meals and sugary treats.
- Instance: She couldn’t resist indulging her candy tooth with a bit of chocolate cake after dinner.
Closed compound phrases: Simpler
BABYSIT
- Definition: To quickly take care of and supervise kids whereas their dad and mom or guardians are out of the home.
- Instance: She agreed to babysit her neighbor’s youngsters for the night whereas they attended a particular occasion.
BACKGROUND
- Definition: The setting, atmosphere, or circumstances that kind the context for a selected occasion, state of affairs, or topic.
- Instance: There’s a colourful hen within the background of this picture.
CLASSMATE
- Definition: An individual who’s in the identical class or course of examine as one other scholar.
- Instance: She grew to become shut associates together with her classmate throughout their time at college.
CUPCAKE
- Definition: A small cake, sometimes baked in a muffin or cupcake tin, typically frosted and adorned with numerous toppings or designs.
- Instance: She baked two dozen cupcakes for her daughter’s celebration.
EYEBROW
- Definition: The road of hair above the attention that helps shield it from sweat and dust; typically used to create facial expressions.
- Instance: She raised her eyebrows in shock when she heard the sudden information.
GRANDMOTHER
- Definition: The feminine mother or father of 1’s mother or father, typically a supply of affection, knowledge, and familial connection.
- Instance: My grandmother used to inform us tales about her childhood on a farm within the Thirties.
KEYBOARD
- Definition: A set of keys, sometimes organized in a selected format, used for inputting textual content and instructions into a pc or different digital system.
- Instance: One characteristic I like about my laptop computer is that the keyboard can mild up at night time.
LIPSTICK
- Definition: A beauty product utilized to the lips so as to add coloration, typically within the type of a stick or tube.
- Instance: She selected a pink lipstick shade to match her night robe.
NEWBORN
- Definition: A not too long ago born child, sometimes throughout the first few weeks of life.
- Instance: The new child slept peacefully within the crib, wrapped in a mushy blanket.
PLAYGROUND
- Definition: An outside space designed for youngsters to play, typically with swings, slides, and climbing buildings.
- Instance: Be sure that to placed on sunscreen earlier than you’re taking the children to the playground.
PONYTAIL
- Definition: A coiffure through which the hair is gathered and secured behind the pinnacle or neck utilizing a band or tie.
- Instance: She pulled her hair right into a excessive ponytail to maintain it out of her face whereas exercising.
RAINBOW
- Definition: A curve of colours that seems within the sky when daylight shines by raindrops or different moisture within the environment.
- Instance: After the storm, we noticed a vibrant rainbow.
SAILBOAT
- Definition: A kind of watercraft that’s propelled by wind in its sails, used for leisure crusing or aggressive racing.
- Instance: They spent a calming afternoon on their sailboat within the lake.
SIDEWALK
- Definition: A paved walkway or path in conjunction with a highway, sometimes utilized by folks strolling.
- Instance: She strolled alongside the tree-lined sidewalk, having fun with the nice climate.
SKATEBOARD
- Definition: A flat board with 4 wheels that individuals stand to trip on, typically used for performing tips or transportation.
- Instance: My teenage son needs a brand new skateboard for his birthday.
SNOWBALL
- Definition: Snow pressed or rolled right into a ball, typically utilized in winter video games or snowball fights.
- Instance: The lady obtained in bother after she threw a snowball at her trainer.
SUITCASE
- Definition: An oblong container with handles, used for carrying garments and private belongings throughout journey.
- Instance: She packed a small suitcase and ready for her weekend getaway.
TEAMWORK
- Definition: The cooperative effort of a bunch of people working collectively to realize a typical objective or full a activity.
- Instance: Caring for a affected person with advanced medical wants requires teamwork among the many docs, nurses, and specialists.
TOOTHPICK
- Definition: A small, pointed stick, typically manufactured from wooden or plastic, used for cleansing between enamel.
- Instance: He grabbed a toothpick to take away bits of meat caught between his enamel after dinner.
WATERFALL
- Definition: A pure formation through which water flows or falls over a vertical or almost vertical rock or cliff, typically present in mountainous or hilly areas.
- Instance: The hike led them to an impressive waterfall, the place they may hear the dashing water and really feel the mist within the air.
WATERMELON
- Definition: A big, juicy, and refreshing fruit with a tough inexperienced shell containing a candy, pink or pink inside and black seeds, typically eaten within the summertime.
- Instance: They loved slices of chilly watermelon at the household picnic.
WHEELCHAIR
- Definition: A cell chair with wheels, designed for people with restricted mobility or bodily disabilities to help in transferring round.
- Instance: The hospital offered a wheelchair for the affected person to assist him get round whereas he recovered.
Closed compound phrases: Extra Superior
BRAINSTORM
- Definition: When a bunch of individuals tries to generate inventive concepts and options by free and open dialogue.
- Instance: The workforce met to brainstorm new advertising methods for the upcoming product launch.
AFTERMATH
- Definition: The interval following a major occasion, typically marked by the implications or outcomes of that occasion.
- Instance: Within the aftermath of the storm, the neighborhood got here collectively to scrub up and restore the harm.
BACKLOG
- Definition: A amount of unfinished work, duties, or orders which have amassed and have to be accomplished.
- Instance: The corporate had a backlog of buyer orders resulting from a brief scarcity of provides.
CHOPSTICKS
- Definition: A pair of skinny, lengthy sticks, sometimes manufactured from wooden or different supplies, used as consuming utensils in lots of Asian cultures.
- Instance: She used chopsticks to select up the sushi and dip it in soy sauce.
EYEWITNESS
- Definition: An individual who has personally noticed an occasion or state of affairs and may present direct info or testimony about it.
- Instance: The eyewitness offered an in depth account of the accident to the police.
FORESEE
- Definition: To anticipate or predict an occasion or consequence earlier than it happens based mostly on obtainable info or perception.
- Instance: The monetary advisor may foresee issues with money circulation if the enterprise didn’t minimize their bills quickly.
HARDSHIP
- Definition: A state of struggling, issue, or adversity, typically brought on by difficult circumstances or circumstances.
- Instance: Immigrants to this nation typically thrive regardless of the hardships they’ve confronted.
JACKPOT
- Definition: A big or substantial prize or reward, typically related to playing, lotteries, or sudden success.
- Instance: The fortunate ticket holder gained the jackpot within the nationwide lottery, turning into an immediate millionaire.
KEEPSAKE
- Definition: A cherished object or merchandise that holds sentimental worth and is stored as a reminder of an individual, occasion, or interval in a single’s life.
- Instance: She treasured a small memento from her grandmother.
LIMELIGHT
- Definition: Public focus or consideration on an individual, typically resulting from their achievements, fame, or public prominence.
- Instance: The favored band is having fun with its time within the limelight, with a multi-city tour deliberate for the summer season.
NOTEWORTHY
- Definition: Deserving particular consideration or consideration due to its high quality, significance, or distinctive attributes.
- Instance: The artist’s newest portray was noteworthy for its intricate particulars and vibrant colours.
OVERKILL
- Definition: An extreme or exaggerated utility, effort, or strategy that goes past what is critical or affordable.
- Instance: Utilizing three totally different safety methods for a small residence could also be thought of overkill.
PACEMAKER
- Definition: A medical system implanted within the physique to manage and management the heartbeat, typically used to deal with irregular coronary heart rhythms.
- Instance: After his coronary heart situation worsened, the affected person obtained a pacemaker to make sure a gentle coronary heart rhythm.
POTHOLE
- Definition: A deep, typically irregularly formed gap or despair in a highway or pavement, sometimes brought on by put on and tear or climate harm.
- Instance: Town’s highway upkeep crew labored to restore the potholes that had fashioned after a harsh winter.
STANDSTILL
- Definition: A whole cease in motion, exercise, or progress, typically resulting from exterior components or obstacles.
- Instance: The visitors jam introduced all autos to a standstill, inflicting lengthy delays for commuters.
SUPERNATURAL
- Definition: Past the pure or scientific realm, involving phenomena or forces that can’t be defined by atypical legal guidelines or ideas.
- Instance: Within the film, the unusual incidents in the home turned out to have a supernatural trigger.
TATTLETALE
- Definition: An individual, sometimes a baby, who informs or reveals another person’s wrongdoing or secrets and techniques to authorities or others.
- Instance: He was often called the classroom tattletale, at all times reporting issues to the trainer.
UNDERCURRENT
- Definition: A refined or hidden power, feeling, or affect that operates beneath the floor, typically affecting occasions or conditions.
- Instance: There was an undercurrent of stress within the room, regardless of the looks of calm.
UNDERESTIMATE
- Definition: To have a decrease opinion of one thing or somebody than is admittedly the case.
- Instance: They need to not underestimate her capabilities; she is a extremely expert and devoted worker.
UPTIGHT
- Definition: Tense, anxious, or overly involved with particulars, typically leading to a scarcity of rest or flexibility in a single’s habits.
- Instance: She appeared uptight and confused in regards to the upcoming presentation.
WAYWARD
- Definition: Behaving recklessly, irresponsibly, or in a way that deviates from accepted norms or expectations.
- Instance: The wayward teenager typically defied his dad and mom’ guidelines and located himself in bother.
Hyphenated compound phrases: Simpler
CARRY-ON
- Definition: Baggage or baggage which can be small and compact sufficient to be carried onto a aircraft and stored within the overhead compartment or beneath the seat.
- Instance: She packed her necessities in a carry-on bag for her quick enterprise journey.
EMPTY-HANDED
- Definition: To reach or depart a spot with out buying or holding something; to don’t have anything in a single’s fingers.
- Instance: He searched the shop for the guide he wished however left empty-handed because it was out of inventory.
GET-TOGETHER
- Definition: An informal social gathering or assembly, typically amongst associates or relations.
- Instance: They deliberate a get-together on the park to rejoice their buddy’s birthday.
GOOD-LOOKING
- Definition: Engaging in look, possessing pleasing bodily options or an interesting demeanor.
- Instance: She seen a handsome stranger throughout the room on the get together.
HIGH-SPEED
- Definition: Working or transferring very quick.
- Instance: The high-speed prepare reached its vacation spot in half the time of a daily prepare.
LONG-LASTING
- Definition: Being able to endure or exist for an prolonged time frame with out vital deterioration or put on.
- Instance: The paint they used on the home is understood for its long-lasting coloration.
MIDDLE-AGED
- Definition: Referring to the interval of life between early maturity and previous age, typically characterised by people of their forties and fifties.
- Instance: Many middle-aged persons are on the peak of their profession and may get monetary savings for retirement.
MOTHER-IN-LAW
- Definition: The mom of 1’s husband or spouse.
- Instance: Fortuitously, he has a superb relationship together with his mother-in-law.
OLD-FASHIONED
- Definition: Reflecting the model, customs, or concepts of a previous period; not in step with up to date or fashionable developments.
- Instance: He most well-liked an old school strategy to writing letters, utilizing pen and paper as a substitute of electronic mail.
SHORT-TERM
- Definition: Associated to a quick or restricted length of time; not meant for the long term.
- Instance: Their short-term objective is to finish the mission throughout the subsequent three months.
UP-TO-DATE
- Definition: Present with the newest info, know-how, or developments; not outdated.
- Instance: We’re bringing you essentially the most up-to-date information from the Olympic video games.
WELL-BEING
- Definition: The state of being wholesome, content material, and glad, with one’s bodily, psychological, and emotional wants met.
- Instance: Yoga and meditation assist enhance your general well-being by lowering stress.
WELL-BEHAVED
- Definition: Characterised by good manners and applicable conduct, typically used to explain folks or animals with courteous habits.
- Instance: The kids had been well-behaved throughout the formal dinner, impressing the visitors with their politeness.
WORLD-FAMOUS
- Definition: Recognized and acknowledged by folks worldwide; attaining a excessive degree of fame and recognition on a world scale.
- Instance: The Eiffel Tower in Paris is a world-famous landmark and a logo of France.
Hyphenated compound phrases: Extra Superior
FAR-FETCHED
- Definition: Extraordinarily unlikely or unbelievable, typically referring to concepts or eventualities that appear too unrealistic to be true.
- Instance: The conspiracy concept he shared with us appeared far-fetched and lacked credible proof.
HO-HUM
- Definition: Uninteresting, boring, or unexciting; one thing that fails to elicit enthusiasm or curiosity.
- Instance: The film obtained mediocre critiques and was described as a ho-hum expertise.
HUSH-HUSH
- Definition: Saved secret or hid from public data or dialogue; one thing performed discreetly or quietly.
- Instance: The corporate’s upcoming product launch continues to be hush-hush, and particulars are carefully guarded.
KNOW-IT-ALL
- Definition: An individual who behaves as if they’ve full data and experience on all topics, typically displaying conceitedness.
- Instance: His know-it-all angle typically aggravated his coworkers throughout conferences.
MIND-BLOWING
- Definition: Extraordinarily spectacular, astonishing, or inflicting a robust emotional or mental response.
- Instance: The scientific discovery was actually mind-blowing and opened up new prospects within the area.
NITTY-GRITTY
- Definition: The particular and important particulars or core points of a topic or state of affairs, typically involving sensible or basic info.
- Instance: Earlier than making a choice, they wanted to delve into the nitty-gritty of the monetary information.
OVER-THE-COUNTER
- Definition: Out there for buy or entry instantly from a retailer, pharmacy, or supply with no prescription or formal authorization.
- Instance: I take some over-the-counter painkillers to handle my complications, I don’t want a prescription.
RUN-IN
- Definition: A short, typically sudden encounter or confrontation with somebody, typically leading to a minor dispute or disagreement.
- Instance: He had a run-in together with his neighbor over the property boundary, resulting in a heated argument.
RUNNER-UP
- Definition: The person or workforce that finishes in second place in a contest or contest, simply behind the winner.
- Instance: She was proud to be the runner-up within the nationwide spelling bee competitors.
SELF-CENTERED
- Definition: Targeted on one’s personal wants, pursuits, or issues, typically with out a lot consideration for the emotions or wants of others.
- Instance: His self-centered habits strained his relationships, as he hardly ever confirmed empathy for others.
SHORT-TEMPERED
- Definition: Simply irritated or fast to anger, with an inclination to lose one’s mood in response to minor provocations.
- Instance: He apologized for his short-tempered response and defined that he was beneath loads of stress.
SINGLE-MINDED
- Definition: Having a robust and unwavering deal with a selected objective, objective, or goal, typically to the exclusion of different concerns.
- Instance: She doesn’t actually have any hobbies; she’s obtained a single-minded dedication to deal with her profession.
SOUGHT-AFTER
- Definition: In excessive demand or desired by many; one thing that individuals actively search or pursue.
- Instance: The extremely sought-after tickets to the singer’s last live performance had been being offered for upwards of $2,000.
STRONG-ARM
- Definition: To make use of bodily power or aggressive strategies to intimidate or management others; to use stress or coercion.
- Instance: He doesn’t actually take heed to the opposite aspect throughout negotiations, he simply makes use of strong-arm ways to get what he needs.
TOSS-UP
- Definition: A state of affairs through which it’s unsure which of two or extra outcomes or decisions will prevail; a choice that might go both method.
- Instance: The ultimate spherical of the competitors was a toss-up, with each groups displaying distinctive abilities.
WELL-TO-DO
- Definition: Having a snug and prosperous monetary standing, typically related to wealth and monetary safety.
- Instance: The well-to-do couple loved touring to luxurious locations and proudly owning a number of properties.
Now you understand how to make use of 100 compound phrases in English!
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