Compound Words Exercise (538)
In each sentence, a compound word or phrase is incorrectly open, closed, or hyphenated. Identify the incorrect word or phrase and style it correctly.
Answers and Explanations
1.
Original: The public slap down came soon after Smith forecast his election victory.
Correct : The public slapdown came soon after Smith forecast his election victory.
"Slapdown" is a closed compound in this context.
2.
Original: The upscale tool box is equipped with a keypad lock.
Correct : The upscale toolbox is equipped with a keypad lock.
"Toolbox" is a closed compound.
3.
Original: Every healthcare textbook I’ve seen is big enough to use as a doorstop.
Correct : Every health care textbook I’ve seen is big enough to use as a doorstop.
"Health care" is an open compound.
4.
Original: I put a water-proof pad under the fishbowl.
Correct : I put a waterproof pad under the fishbowl.
"Waterproof" is a closed compound.
5.
Original: The downbeat report has become a political landmine.
Correct : The downbeat report has become a political land mine.
"Land mine" is an open compound.
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