Compound Words
Find the word that links two others to form compound words.
What is Compound Words?
Compound word questions give you two word fragments and ask you to find a single word that can join with both to make two compound words. One compound word is formed at the end and the other at the beginning.
For example: SUN___ and ___BURN. The linking word is FLOWER? No – SUNBURN. Actually: the answer depends on the question. These questions test your knowledge of compound words in English.
Step-by-Step Method
Read both parts carefully
Look at the first fragment (where the linking word goes at the end) and the second fragment (where it goes at the beginning).
List words for the first part
Think of words that can follow the first fragment to make a real compound word.
List words for the second part
Think of words that can go before the second fragment to make a real compound word.
Find the overlap
Look for a word that appears in both lists. That is your answer.
Worked Examples
Find the word that completes both: FOOT___ and ___ROOM
Working
- FOOT___: football, footprint, footstep, footwear, foothold, footnote…
- ___ROOM: bedroom, bathroom, ballroom, classroom, mushroom…
- Overlap: BALL – football and ballroom
Find the word that completes both: SEA___ and ___BACK
Working
- SEA___: seaside, seashore, seahorse, seashell, seabed…
- ___BACK: setback, drawback, horseback, feedback, comeback…
- Overlap: HORSE – seahorse and horseback
Find the word that completes both: RAIN___ and ___TIE
Working
- RAIN___: rainbow, raincoat, raindrop, rainwater, rainforest, rainbow…
- ___TIE: bowtie, necktie…
- Overlap: BOW – rainbow and bowtie
Common Mistakes
Only thinking about one of the two compound words and forgetting to check the other.
Your answer must work in BOTH compounds. Always verify both before choosing.
Trying obscure or unusual compound words instead of common ones.
11+ questions use well-known compound words. If your answer creates an unusual word, keep looking.
Top Tips
- Start with whichever fragment gives you fewer options – it is easier to search a shorter list.
- Common linking words are short: ball, bed, book, door, fire, hand, light, out, sun, water.
- If stuck, try common 3-4 letter words systematically: can, car, cup, day, dog, eye, hat, key, man, pen.
- Read both compound words aloud – if either sounds wrong, it probably is.
Ready to practise?
Put these techniques into action with our free practice papers.
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