Choose compound adjective from the phrase ‘wage-earning machines'.

Question

Accepted Answer

Option 4, "wage-earning," is the correct choice for identifying the compound adjective in the phrase "wage-earning machines." Here's why:

1. **Explanation for Option 4 (Correct Answer):**
   - A compound adjective is formed when two or more words are combined to function as a single adjective that describes a noun. In this case, "wage-earning" is a compound adjective because it combines "wage" and "earning" to describe the noun "machines." The hyphen between "wage" and "earning" indicates that these two words work together as a single unit to modify "machines," specifying that the machines are involved in earning wages.

2. **Explanation for why other options are incorrect:**
   - **Option 1: wage**
     - "Wage" by itself is not a compound adjective. It is a noun that refers to payment for work. Without being combined with another word, it does not function as an adjective in this context.
   - **Option 2: earning – machines**
     - "Earning – machines" is not a compound adjective. The hyphen is incorrectly placed between "earning" and "machines," which does not form a compound adjective. Instead, "earning" would be a separate adjective modifying "machines," but it does not convey the intended meaning of machines that earn wages.
   - **Option 3: machines**
     - "Machines" is a noun, not an adjective. It is the subject being described by the compound adjective "wage-earning." Therefore, it cannot be considered a compound adjective.

In summary, Option 4, "wage-earning," is the correct compound adjective because it effectively combines two words to describe the noun "machines," indicating their function related to earning wages. The other options do not meet the criteria for a compound adjective in this context.