Compound Words Exercise (563)
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 agitated bookkeeper bent one paperclip after another with her fingers.
Correct : The agitated bookkeeper bent one paper clip after another with her fingers.
"Paper clip" is an open compound.
2.
Original: She was an eye-witness to the forklift accident.
Correct : She was an eyewitness to the forklift accident.
"Eyewitness" is a closed compound.
3.
Original: The delay in the equipment hook up caused consternation in the newsroom.
Correct : The delay in the equipment hookup caused consternation in the newsroom.
"Hookup" is a closed compound.
4.
Original: The team members were sore from being constantly backslapped after they won the playoffs.
Correct : The team members were sore from being constantly backslapped after they won the play-offs.
"Play-offs" is hyphenated.
5.
Original: Her snake-skin boots clashed with her striped overcoat.
Correct : Her snakeskin boots clashed with her striped overcoat.
"Snakeskin" is a closed compound.
Related Articles
