Lesson

Participle adjectives and compound adjectives

Complex adjective forms

≈ 15 min 8 block(s)

Text

What are participle adjectives and compound adjectives?

Participle adjectives are adjectives formed from verbs: present participles (-ing) and past participles (-ed or irregular). Compound adjectives join two or more words (often with a hyphen) to act as a single adjective before a noun.

  • Present participle adjectives (-ing) describe the thing that causes a feeling: "an exciting meeting" (the meeting causes excitement).
  • Past participle adjectives (-ed / irregular) describe a feeling or state experienced by someone: "a bored employee" (the employee feels bored).
  • Compound adjectives (often hyphenated) combine words to describe a noun: "a well-known client", "a long-term contract".
  • Placement: participle adjectives can appear before a noun or after linking verbs (be, seem, feel). Hyphenation is common when the compound adjective appears before a noun.

Table

Participle & Compound Adjectives — Reference

Type Form Meaning / Use Example
Present participle adjective verb + -ing Describes something that causes an emotion or action The meeting was exciting. / An exciting meeting
Past participle adjective verb (past participle) Describes a feeling/condition resulting from an action The employees are concerned. / A concerned employee
Irregular past participle adjective irregular past participle Same as past participle but irregular form The documents were written. / The written report
Compound adjective (hyphen before noun) word + - + word Combine words to describe a noun, hyphenated before the noun a well-known client, a long-term strategy
Adjective after linking verb adjective (any participle) Adjective can follow linking verbs to describe subject's state She felt exhausted. / The project seemed promising.
Adverb + participle adverb + past participle Adverb can modify participle; hyphen usually not used newly hired employees, highly motivated staff

Tip

Key rule: Meaning depends on -ing vs -ed

Remember the main distinction between -ing and -ed participle adjectives and hyphenation with compound adjectives.

  • -ing = causes the feeling (active meaning): 'an interesting proposal' (the proposal causes interest).
  • -ed = experiences the feeling (passive/result): 'an interested participant' (the participant feels interest).
  • Use hyphens for compound adjectives before the noun: 'a decision-making process', but no hyphen after the noun: 'the process of decision making'.
  • Adverbs modifying participles are not usually hyphenated: 'newly appointed manager' (no hyphen).

Check whether the adjective describes cause (-ing) or result/state (-ed) to avoid meaning errors.

Example

Examples in context

The time-consuming audit required two additional analysts.

She felt frustrated after the delayed delivery.

We presented a well-organized proposal to the client.

A surprising email from the CEO changed the meeting agenda.

Tip

Common mistakes

Watch out for errors that change meaning or break English hyphenation/word order rules.

  • Confusing -ing and -ed: writing 'I am boring' instead of 'I am bored' (the first means you cause boredom).
  • Incorrect hyphenation: using hyphen when an adverb modifies a participle (wrong: 'newly-hired staff' — better: 'newly hired staff').
  • Over-hyphenating compounds after the noun: 'the strategy is long-term' (no hyphen needed after the noun).
  • Placing participle adjectives in the wrong position: 'an employee interested' instead of 'an interested employee' or 'the employee is interested'.

When in doubt, check whether the adjective describes a cause (-ing) or a state (-ed), and follow hyphenation rules for compound adjectives before nouns.

Quiz

Choose the correct sentence:

Hint: Check whether an adverb modifies the participle and where the hyphen is needed.

Quiz

Complete: He gave a _____ presentation.

Hint: How would you describe a presentation that was thoroughly prepared?

Quiz

Which sentence uses a present participle adjective correctly?

Hint: Look for the -ing form that describes the cause, not the feeling experienced by people.

Key Points

GrammarPoint

present participle

grammar_point CEFR B1 //ˈprɛzənt pɑːrtɪsɪpəl//

The -ing form of a verb used as an adjective (causes a feeling).

An exciting project motivates the team.

GrammarPoint

past participle as adjective

grammar_point CEFR B1 //pæst pɑːrtɪsɪpəl əz ˈædʒɪktɪv//

A past participle used as an adjective to describe a result or state.

The frustrated client requested a refund.

GrammarPoint

compound adjective

grammar_point CEFR B2 //ˈkɒmpaʊnd ˈædʒɪktɪv//

Two or more words joined (often with a hyphen) to modify a noun together.

We signed a long-term agreement with the supplier.

Vocabulary

hyphenation

noun CEFR B2 //ˌhaɪfəˈneɪʃən//

The use of hyphens to join words in compound adjectives before nouns.

A well-written report is easier to review.

Vocabulary

time-consuming

adjective CEFR B2 //ˈtaɪm kənˈsjuːmɪŋ//

Taking a lot of time; requiring significant time to complete.

The audit was time-consuming but necessary.

Vocabulary

well-prepared

adjective CEFR B1 //wɛl prɪˈpɛəd//

Carefully or thoroughly prepared; ready.

She was well-prepared for the client presentation.