English language has a rich vocabulary. The vocabulary of a language is enriched in different ways. Borrowing words from other languages is one of them. Creating new words by adding suffixes or prefixes to existing words is another method.
We can also form new words by joining two existing words. Words thus formed are called compound words. Here are some examples of compound words: market-day, sackcloth, nobleman, schoolmistress, hazelnut, innkeeper, bus-conductor, good-natured, light-hearted, dim-sighted etc.
Compound words can be verbs, adjectives or nouns.
Compound words may be written as one word. Examples are: flashlight, headache, grandfather, classroom etc.
Some compound words are hyphenated. Examples are: left-handed and newly-weds.
Sometimes they are written as two words. Examples are: living room, flower vase, head nurse, new moon, post office.
Complete the following sentences using appropriate compound words. The first part of the expression has been given in the brackets.
1. My grandmother does not step out of the house without her ………………. (walking)
2. The …………………. young man helped the traveler find his way. (kind)
3. The ………………… were blessed by the elderly. (newly)
4. We need to buy some furniture for the ………………….. (living)
Answers
1. My grandmother does not step out of the house without her walking stick.
2. The kind-hearted young man helped the traveler find his way.
3. The newly-weds were blessed by the elderly.
4. We need to buy some furniture for the living room.