Danh từ ghép (Compound Nouns) thường gặp trong Tiếng Anh

Compound Nouns are an indispensable grammar topic in everyday English writing and communication. In fact, they have become so common that you may not even realize that some of the vocabulary you use every day are compound nouns.

So what are English compound nouns? How can you form and apply compound nouns most accurately in the IELTS test? Let's find out with IDP through the article below!

Compound nouns are nouns made up of two or more words that come together to refer to a specific person, place, object, or idea. These individual words may not always be nouns themselves. Compound nouns are used frequently in both writing and conversation.

There are three types of compound nouns in English:

• Common nouns: fish sticks, hairdresser, e-commerce

• Proper nouns: Whitehouse, New York, Pizza Hut

• Abstract nouns: shopaholic, obsessive-compulsive disorder

Compound nouns can be classified into three main categories based on spelling and pronunciation:

• Compound nouns can be formed by combining different word types:

When changing compound nouns to plural form, the main noun is usually the word made plural:

• son-in-law → sons-in-law

• swimsuit → swimsuits

If there is no clear main word, pluralize the last element:

• apple tree → apple trees

• grown-up → grown-ups

Stress patterns can change the meaning of a word, making stress placement essential in English communication.

For two-word compound nouns, stress typically falls on the first word:

• WHITE house = the official residence of the president

• white HOUSE = a house painted white

While this rule covers most compound nouns, there are exceptions. Learning and practicing vocabulary frequently will help you internalize correct pronunciation.

Examples:

• SWIMsuit

• PLAStic bag

Here's a list of 30 frequently used compound nouns:

7. Compound Nouns – Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Choose the correct singular or plural form

1. The relationship between women and their mothers-in-law is often fraught.

2. He bought some tool-boxes yesterday.

3. I have a penfriend from Canada.

4. My neighbor has planted some apple trees.

5. Good things always come from good actions.

6. Take 3 spoonfuls of honey to make this cup of tea sweeter.

7. Are there any clothes shops nearby?

8. His school bus has a colorful outlook.

9. Not only women should know about skincare, but also men.

10. Hairstyle affects up to 80 percent of someone’s look.

Exercise 2: Shorten phrases using compound nouns

1. A room for stores → storeroom

2. A tape for measuring up to 300 cms → tape measure

3. The assistant manager of the restaurant → assistant restaurant manager

4. A station for express trains → express-train station

5. Size of cables → cable size

6. Reduction in cost → cost reduction

7. Two periods of three months → two three-month periods

8. Plugs with 3 pins → 3-pin plugs

9. Two steel boxes for tools → two steel toolboxes

10. The husband of my daughter → son-in-law

Exercise 3: Complete the compound nouns

1. Day break

2. Dish washer

3. Heart break

4. Home work

5. Honey moon

6. Horse power

7. Side walk

8. Eye lid

9. Bed time

10. Cross road

Master Compound Nouns for IELTS with IDP

Compound nouns are essential to mastering English vocabulary. They are widely used in both formal and informal contexts. By understanding their structure, spelling, and stress patterns, you can improve both your speaking and writing skills.

At IDP, you can register for the IELTS computer-based test with flexible test dates. Don’t forget to explore the IELTS band score descriptors for each skill to set your goals and study plan.

Choose your test date and register for IELTS with IDP today!