Compound Words in English
What are compound words? These types of lexemes are two different words that function as one. Although they can work independently by themselves, they have a different meaning once they are together as a unit.
Take a look at the following words. Each of the words listed have meaning by themselves, but when combined, they indeed have a different meaning.
| after + hours = afterhours | ’æftǝrawrz |
| back + fire = backfire | ’bækfayr |
| chair + man = chairman | ’tʃɛǝrmæn |
| door + bell = doorbell | ’dɔrbɛǝl |
| egg + shell = eggshell | ’ɛgʃɛǝl |
| flag + pole = flagpole | ’flægpowl |
Take a look at the words in context:
01. The store has a drop-off afterhours schedule.
02. The plan backfired on the board of directors.
03. Kenneth Smith has been appointed new chairman.
06. The flagpole is on top of the school building.
How are Compound words transcribed? They are transcribed as one, not separately, because they are functioning as a single unit.
Now, it is your turn to transcribe the following words.
| Word | IPA | Word | IPA |
| worldwide | /'wɔrldwayd/ | suitcase | /’suwtkeys/ |
| workshop | | streetcar | |
| widespread | | stepson | |
| warehouse | | starfish | |
| vineyard | | spaceman | |
| trashcan | | snowman | |
| toothpaste | | skyline | |
| tombstone | | scarecrow | |
| teaspoon | | sandbox | |
| teamwork | | safeguard | |
Get the answers here!
