What is a Compound Adjective?
A single adjective made up of two or more words is called a compound adjective. The words in a compound adjective can be linked together by a hyphen (or hyphens) to show they are part of the same adjective.
HOW TO SPOT A COMPOUND ADJECTIVE!
Put and between the adjectives. If there is no loss of meaning, then you are very likely to be dealing with several adjectives, as opposed to a compound adjective.
step 1 large proud rooster
step 2 large and proud rooster
Although different in style, there is no loss of meaning. This is an example of two adjectives. Therefore, no hyphen is required.
step 1 free range rooster
step 2 free and range rooster
In this example, there is a change in meaning. The rooster is not free and what is a range rooster? This is a compound adjective and should be written as free-range rooster.
step 1 first aid post
step 2 first and aid post
Although aid post is okay, there is a change in meaning with first post. This should be written as first-aid post