Noun combinations
1 We use 's to express a relationship between a person or organisation and another person or thing.
Mr Blake 's secretary
her husband 's car
BA 's employees
Volvo 's reputation
The 's very often means that the relationship can be expressed using have.
Mr Blake has a secretary.
Volvo has a reputation.
2 When two nouns are used together, the first noun functions as an adjective and describes the second noun.
a business card
a job description
an office complex
a travel agency
Sometimes three or more nouns occur together.
a company credit card (a credit card issued by a company)
a management training programme (a training programme designed for management)
3 Two nouns are joined by o f 'when the ideas are more abstract.
the cost of living
independence of mind
the joy of working and lifelong learning
4 Some compound nouns are written as one word.
database
answerphone
letterhead
headquarters
5 When compound nouns are used with a number in expressions of measurement, the first noun is singular.
a six-lane motorway
a four-day week
Practice
Exercise 1
