Compound Words: Quick Introduction and Examples!

Intermediate Level | August 4, 2025

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What Are Compound Words Examples?

Compound words examples are created when two or more words are joined together to create a new word with a specific meaning. In English, there are three main types:

Closed compounds — written as one word (e.g., notebook)
Hyphenated compounds — joined with a hyphen (e.g., well-known)
Open compounds — written as separate words but act as a single idea (e.g., project manager)

Understanding compound words examples helps you write clearly and speak more naturally in professional settings.

Why They Matter for Professionals

In business English, compound words examples appear everywhere — in emails, presentations, and reports. Knowing how to use them correctly makes your communication more precise and professional.

For example, in an email, you might write:

Please review the meeting agenda* before tomorrow.* (open compound)
She is a well-respected* leader in our field.* (hyphenated compound)
I’ve attached the spreadsheet* with the updated figures.* (closed compound)

Closed Compound Words

Closed compounds have no space between the words. They are common in business writing:

Teamwork — Good teamwork is essential for project success.
deadline — We must meet the client’s deadline.
workplace — A positive workplace improves productivity.

Hyphenated Compound Words

Hyphenated compounds often describe qualities or link words for clarity:

well-organized — He gave a well-organized presentation.
cost-effective — We need a cost-effective solution for this issue.
long-term — Our long-term goals include market expansion.

Open Compound Words

Open compounds are separate words that act as one unit of meaning:

human resources — Please contact human resources for more information.
project manager — The project manager will lead the meeting.
customer service — Customer service is our top priority.

Quick Tips for Using Compound Words Examples at Work

If the meaning is unclear without the hyphen, use it.
Check a reliable dictionary for the correct form.
Be consistent within your document.

Mini Practice: Choose the Correct Compound Form

The report must be (cost-effective / cost effective) to get approval.
Our new (customer service / customerservice) team is ready to help.
Please send the updated (spread sheet / spreadsheet) by noon.
She’s a (well respected / well-respected) member of the committee.
We need more (team work / teamwork) to finish this project.

(Answers: 1. cost-effective, 2. customer service, 3. spreadsheet, 4. well-respected, 5. teamwork)

Vocabulary List

Agenda (noun) — A list of items to be discussed.
- Example: The meeting agenda was sent out yesterday.
Precise (adjective) — Exact and accurate.
- Example: Please give a precise explanation of the changes.
Productivity (noun) — The rate at which work is completed.
- Example: Good communication improves productivity.
Expansion (noun) — Growth in size or scope.
- Example: The company is planning market expansion next year.
Consistent (adjective) — Acting the same way over time.
- Example: We must be consistent with our branding.
Reliable (adjective) — Dependable and trustworthy.
- Example: Use a reliable source for your data.
Clarify (verb) — To make something clear.
- Example: Can you clarify the next steps?
Common (adjective) — Frequently found or seen.
- Example: This is a common mistake in writing.
Official (adjective) — Approved or recognized by authority.
- Example: This is the official version of the document.
Unit (noun) — A single, complete thing.
- Example: Each department is a unit of the company.

5 Questions About the Article

What are the three main types of compound words examples?
Give one example of a closed compound from the article.
When should you use a hyphen in a compound word?
What type of compound word is “customer service”?
Why should professionals be careful with compound words in writing?

5 Open-Ended Discussion Questions

Which type of compound word do you use most at work?
Can you think of a compound word that has changed form over time?
Why do you think hyphenated compounds are important in business writing?
How can using the wrong compound form affect communication?
What are some compound words specific to your industry?

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