Hyphenated compound nouns are words that are made up of two or more words that are combined to form a new noun. They are joined together with a hyphen (-).
Here are some examples of hyphenated compound nouns:
* Mother-in-law: This is a noun referring to the mother of your spouse.
* Break-in: This refers to an illegal entry into a building, often with the intention of stealing something.
* Pass-through: This refers to a doorway or space that allows someone to pass through from one room to another.
* Go-between: This is a person who acts as an intermediary between two parties.
* Well-being: This refers to a state of being healthy and happy.
Why are some compound nouns hyphenated?
Hyphens are used in compound nouns to help clarify the meaning of the word and to prevent ambiguity.
Here are some general rules for when to use hyphens in compound nouns:
* When the words are used as a single adjective: Examples: "a well-meaning person," "a high-quality product"
* When the compound noun is new or uncommon: Examples: "pass-through", "go-between", "heart-throb"
* When the compound noun is formed with a prefix: Examples: "pre-school", "non-profit"
* To prevent confusion: "re-form" (to form again) vs. "reform" (to improve).
Note: Not all compound nouns are hyphenated. Some compound nouns are written as one word (e.g., "smartphone") and others are written as two separate words (e.g., "real estate").
It's always best to consult a dictionary or style guide if you are unsure whether to hyphenate a compound noun.