Compound Adjectives with -ED Endings
Compound adjectives with -ed endings are common in English and are often used to describe people, objects, and characteristics in a precise way. In this lesson, you’ll learn how to form compound adjectives with -ed endings, when to use hyphens, and how they appear in exams like B2 First and C1 Advanced.
What Is the Structure?
Compound adjectives with -ed endings usually follow this pattern:
Adjective / Number + Noun + -ed
The meaning is typically:
“having” + that feature
Examples and Explanation
Blond-haired
A woman with blond hair → a blond-haired woman
- Could you ask that blond-haired woman for a menu?
- A tall, blond-haired man walked into the room.
Meaning: a woman who has blond hair.
Four-legged
An animal with four legs → a four-legged animal
- Horses are four-legged animals.
- We adopted a small four-legged friend from the shelter.
Meaning: something that has four legs.
Left-handed
A person who uses their left hand more → a left-handed person
- Peter is left-handed.
- The shop sells special tools for left-handed people.
Meaning: someone who uses their left hand more naturally.
Three-legged
A stool with three legs → a three-legged stool
- He was sitting on a three-legged stool.
- The three-legged dog moved surprisingly fast.
Meaning: something that has three legs.
Absent-minded
A person who is often lost in thought → an absent-minded person
- She’s so absent-minded — she forgot her keys again.
- The absent-minded professor left his notes at home.
Meaning: someone who tends to forget things or seems distracted.
Chocolate-flavoured
Ice cream with a chocolate flavour → chocolate-flavoured ice cream
- I’ll have chocolate-flavoured ice cream.
- They produce strawberry- and chocolate-flavoured sweets.
Meaning: something that tastes like chocolate.
Narrow-minded
A person who has a limited or intolerant attitude → a narrow-minded person
- He’s too narrow-minded to accept new ideas.
- Avoid being narrow-minded in discussions.
Meaning: someone who is not open to different opinions.
Old-fashioned
A person or thing that is not modern → old-fashioned
- My parents are quite old-fashioned.
- She prefers old-fashioned values.
Meaning: traditional; not modern.
Important Grammar Notes
Hyphen Use
When these adjectives come before a noun, we use a hyphen:
✔ a four-legged animal
✔ a narrow-minded person
When they come after the verb “be”, the hyphen is often dropped:
✔ The animal is four legged.
✔ He is narrow minded.
However, many modern style guides still keep the hyphen even after the verb. Consistency is important.
The Noun Stays Singular
Even if the meaning is plural, the noun in the compound adjective remains singular:
✔ a three-year-old child
✔ a ten-page report
✔ a four-legged table
❌ a three-years-old child
Common Mistakes
❌ a three-years-old child
✔ a three-year-old child
❌ a blue-eyes girl
✔ a blue-eyed girl
❌ a five-feet-tall man
✔ a five-foot-tall man
Why These Adjectives Matter in Exams
Compound adjectives with -ed endings are useful in:
- Descriptive writing (stories, reports, reviews)
- Speaking tasks (describing people and objects)
- Reading comprehension
They help your English sound more natural and precise.
Compare:
She has blond hair.
→ She is a blond-haired woman.
The second version sounds more advanced and descriptive.
Final Thoughts
Compound adjectives with -ed endings are simple in structure but powerful in use. They allow you to describe people, objects, and characteristics clearly and efficiently.
Once you start noticing them, you’ll see them everywhere — in books, newspapers, films, and exam texts.
And the more naturally you use them, the more confident and fluent your English will sound.
Compound Adjectives with -ED Endings Extensive Practice Worksheet (B2–C1 Level) in PDF
FAQ
What are compound adjectives with -ed endings?
They are hyphenated adjectives formed from an adjective or number plus a noun and -ed (e.g. blue-eyed, four-legged).
Do compound adjectives need a hyphen?
Yes, when they come before a noun (e.g. a three-legged dog).
Why is the noun singular in compound adjectives?
The noun remains singular because it functions as part of an adjective (e.g. a five-year-old child).
Related posts:
Compound Adjectives in English
Adjectives Ending in -ED and -ING
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