SOME RULES ON COMPOUNDS

1. Match the rules with the corresponding compound words.

Dont forget to use Wells notation system.

Single Stress on Compounds

.... Verb (-ing) + Noun. Noun does not do the action itself. The
meaning is rather a .... for .... The noun sometimes represents
the place or time for the action of the verb, as in "shopping centre.

. Noun+Noun. The second noun indicates the performer or

doer of the action. The agent usually ends in er, -or and can be either human or
non-human. Exceptions: stage manager, school governor.
... N1 delimits the meaning of N2 by stating what type of thing it is.
The resulting compound usually functions as noun.
Double Stress on Compounds
. Noun + Noun. N1 has specific reference (the ...of
the ..). The first noun indicates the position of the second one.
Noun + Noun. N 1 (and sometimes also N2) is a proper
name; the majority are place names. Exceptions: Oxford Street, Westgate, Home
Office, Lake District, Labour Party.
.. Noun + Noun. N1 is frequently a mass noun N2 is made of.
The second noun is made of the first one. Exceptions: orange juice, chocolate
cake, cornflakes, coconut milk, mineral water.

... Adjective + Noun + Adjectival (ed) combinations give rise

to adjectives with double stress. Other examples: bad-tempered, high-spirited,
blue-eyed, etc.

. Adjective + Verb (-ing) give rise to adjectives with double

stress. Other examples: easy-going, long-lasting, etc.

kitchen sink bookshop good looking tape

recorder Buckingham Palace walking stick apple
pie old-fashioned

Phonetics & Phonology I