Definition
General
Two or more words that work together to describe a noun, often hyphenated before that noun to prevent ambiguity.
Example: Three-year is a compound modifier in 'a three-year programme'.
Also known as: compound adjective, phrasal adjective
Context: A duration used as a compound modifier keeps year singular: a three-year plan, but the plan lasts three years.
Source checked for Compound modifier (opens in a new tab) Checked 2026-08-11