Noun–Noun Modifiers

A NOUN + A MODIFYING PHRASE AN ADJECTIVE + A NOUN

A noun can be modified by a phrase that comes after it: an A modifying phrase can be shortened by using the main
adjective phrase or preposition phrase. noun of the adjective or prepositional phrase as a modifier
before the noun.

The Jeep has a drive(-train) that moves all four wheels. It has four-wheel drive. (a double-noun modifier)
(adjective phrase)

He is a champion in swimming. (preposition phrase) He is a swimming champion. (a single-noun modifier)

May I have a spoon for eating soup. (preposition phrase) May I have a soup spoon.

Ring the bell aside the door. (preposition phrase) Ring the door bell.

Hyphens

A NOUN MODIFIER A DOUBLE-NOUN MODIFIER

Two nouns do not require a hyphen. Use a hyphen to link two nouns that modify another noun, or to
clarify which noun modifies which word.

She bought some cat food. cat (n.) modifies food (n.) She bought a cat-food dish. cat-food (adj.) modifies dish (n.)

We bought two foot stools. two (det.) modifies [foot(n.) We bought two-foot stools. two-foot (adj.) modifies stools (n.)
modifies stools (n.)]
The train station is nearby. train (n.) modifies station (n.) The Menlo-Atherton train station, The California-Nevada border
is nearby.
We offer evening classes. evening (n.) modifies classes (n.) If you are a do-it-yourself person, don't call us for an estimate.
We offer one-to-one, evening classes at convenient times.