Lesson

Compound nouns and noun phrases

Complex noun structures

≈ 20 min 8 block(s)

Text

What are Compound Nouns and Noun Phrases?

Compound nouns and noun phrases combine two or more words to name a person, thing, idea or event. They are common in business English and can be written as one word, as separate words, or with a hyphen.

  • A compound noun can be closed (one word), open (separate words) or hyphenated.
  • In a noun phrase, the head noun gives the main meaning; other words modify it.
  • Plural forms and articles usually depend on the head noun (the last word).

Table

Types of Compound Nouns

Type Structure Example
Closed Single word deadline — The project deadline is Monday.
Open Two or more words (separate) sales report — I sent the sales report to the director.
Hyphenated Joined with a hyphen decision-maker — We need the decision-maker's approval.
Noun + Noun Modifier noun + head noun software engineer — She is a senior software engineer.
Adjective + Noun Adjective + head noun annual report — The annual report is due in April.

Tip

Key Rule: Identify the Head Noun

Find the head noun (the main noun) — it determines meaning, articles, and plural form.

  • In a compound, the head noun is usually the last word: 'sales report' → report is the head noun.
  • Make the head noun plural: 'sales reports' (not 'saleses report').
  • Modifiers (nouns or adjectives) come before the head noun: 'customer feedback form'.

Think: last word = head noun = word to pluralize

Example

Examples in context

Please review the sales report before the meeting.

The project deadline was extended by two weeks.

We need approval from the decision-maker in the boardroom.

Our customer feedback form shows high satisfaction rates.

Tip

Common Mistakes

Watch out for these universal errors when using compound nouns and noun phrases.

  • Pluralizing the modifier instead of the head noun (incorrect: 'sales reports' is correct; incorrect: 'saleses report').
  • Changing word order and reversing modifier/head (incorrect: 'report sales' instead of 'sales report').
  • Adding or omitting an article incorrectly (e.g., 'a sales report' vs 'the sales report' depending on context).
  • Confusing hyphenation rules: hyphens can change meaning and style, but the head noun rule for plural applies across forms.

Ask: What is the head noun? That solves many mistakes.

Quiz

Choose the sentence that uses the compound noun correctly:

Hint: Focus on the noun that gives the main meaning (the head noun).

Quiz

Complete: We need to submit the _____ by Friday.

Hint: Think of the document employees fill out to request reimbursement.

Quiz

Which is the correct plural of the compound noun?

Hint: Decide which word is the main noun and pluralize it.

Key Points

GrammarPoint

compound noun

noun CEFR B1 //ˈkɒmpaʊnd ˈnaʊn//

A noun made of two or more words functioning as a single noun.

The marketing team produced a new product launch plan, a typical compound noun in business.

GrammarPoint

head noun

noun CEFR B2 //hɛd naʊn//

The main noun in a noun phrase that determines number and articles.

In 'customer feedback form', 'form' is the head noun and becomes plural: 'forms'.

GrammarPoint

modifier

noun CEFR B1 //ˈmɒdɪfaɪər//

A word (noun or adjective) that modifies the head noun in a noun phrase.

In 'annual report', 'annual' is the modifier describing 'report'.

Vocabulary

sales report

noun CEFR A2 //seɪlz rɪˈpɔːrt//

A document summarizing sales figures over a period.

Please send the monthly sales report to the finance team.

Vocabulary

decision-maker

noun CEFR B2 //dɪˈsɪʒən ˌmeɪkər//

A person who has the authority to make decisions.

We must meet the decision-maker to finalize the contract.

Vocabulary

deadline

noun CEFR A2 //ˈdɛdlaɪn//

The latest time or date by which something should be completed.

The team met the project deadline ahead of schedule.