0
Anonymous Posted 18 years ago
Grammar
noun plus noun
Hi,
I sometimes am not sure whether I can form "noun + noun" combination to form a noun. I tend to use a noun that is formed in this type of noun combination by looking at prior precedence, which can possibly be done by recollecting my possible exposure to the word; but a dilemma surfaces when I can't recollect them being used as such. Then, I go on by checking whether it makes a good general sense. Should I keep using this method to decide whether a "noun + noun" combination is proper or not?
a pumpkin lantern -- I know what it means and makes a good sense but would it be more accurate to say "a pumpkin-like lantern" or possibly "a lantern that looks like a pumkin"?
a stimulus check -- I think I know what it means but could we have written differently? How do we know whether this word/noun combination is correct? I think it is correct since I have seen it used many times before, but I am not completely confident.
I sometimes am not sure whether I can form "noun + noun" combination to form a noun. I tend to use a noun that is formed in this type of noun combination by looking at prior precedence, which can possibly be done by recollecting my possible exposure to the word; but a dilemma surfaces when I can't recollect them being used as such. Then, I go on by checking whether it makes a good general sense. Should I keep using this method to decide whether a "noun + noun" combination is proper or not?
a pumpkin lantern -- I know what it means and makes a good sense but would it be more accurate to say "a pumpkin-like lantern" or possibly "a lantern that looks like a pumkin"?
a stimulus check -- I think I know what it means but could we have written differently? How do we know whether this word/noun combination is correct? I think it is correct since I have seen it used many times before, but I am not completely confident.
Top answer
Check Google to see if the combination exists in the language. If not, I don't recommend using it. CJ
- Check Google to see if the combination exists in the language.
- If not, I don't recommend using it.
- CJ
Get the Weekly English Kit 📬
New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.
3 Answers
0
Check Google to see if the combination exists in the language. If not, I don't recommend using it.
CJ
CJ
00
0
Any noun can be used as an adjective to modify another noun. But only a few of these combinations are meaningful or acceptable - and this is determined largely by tradition, so you have to learn them by experience. For example, the combination "pumpkin lantern," although understandable, is not used. This is called a jack 'o lantern. I've never heard "stimulus check." Without more context it w
0
Related Questions