Compound Words Exercise (558)
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: She was blackballed for demonstrating a distinct lack of commonsense.
Correct : She was blackballed for demonstrating a distinct lack of common-sense.
"Common-sense" is hyphenated in this context.
2.
Original: The earth-bound rocket was diverted by a single keystroke.
Correct : The earthbound rocket was diverted by a single keystroke.
"Earthbound" is a closed compound.
3.
Original: It was a comedown when she didn’t become a fulltime employee.
Correct : It was a comedown when she didn’t become a full-time employee.
"Full-time" is hyphenated in this context.
4.
Original: The pickup’s gear shift was stuck.
Correct : The pickup’s gearshift was stuck.
"Gearshift" is a closed compound.
5.
Original: He has a carefree attitude about the company’s cashflow.
Correct : He has a carefree attitude about the company’s cash flow.
"Cash flow" is an open compound.
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