Compound words are made when two smaller words are joined together to form a new word with a new meaning.
Think of a compound word as two puzzle pieces that fit together to make a bigger word.
Compound words can be written in different ways: closed, open, or hyphenated.
Most compound words in everyday use are closed or open, but hyphenated words are also common.
When two words are joined to form a compound word, the meaning changes from the original single words.
The meaning of a compound word is usually different from just adding the meanings of the two separate words.
You can often figure out the meaning of a compound word by breaking it into its two smaller words.
Looking at each part of a compound word helps you understand its meaning quickly.
Compound words are used in everyday writing and speaking. Practice reading and writing them in complete sentences.
Try saying the compound word aloud. If it makes sense in the sentence, you are using it correctly.