Compound Command
Two words. One brand-new meaning.
Learn how strong readers crack long compound words in a snap, then battle through your unit's words — split them, build them, define them, and fire them from memory.
What is a compound word?
A compound word is made when two smaller words join together to make a new word with a new meaning. You already know the parts — that's your secret weapon. A long word like grandmother or countryside stops being scary the moment you spot the two words hiding inside.
The two words are squeezed together with no space. This is the most common kind.
Two words with a space between them, but they still work as one idea.
A hyphen (-) links the two words. When in doubt, a dictionary settles it.
How to read a compound word
Spot
Look at the start of the word. Do you see a small word you already know? head…
Split
Draw an invisible line where the first word ends: head | dress. That line is also a syllable break.
Say
Read each part, then blend them smoothly into one word: head… dress… headdress.
Check
Does it make sense? The last word usually names what it is. A headdress is a kind of dress (covering) for your head.
Word Lab — tap a word to split it
Pick a word above and watch it come apart.
Watch out — reading traps
A houseboat is a boat you can live in. A boathouse is a house (shed) for boats. Same parts, flipped order, totally different thing. Always check the last word.
When reading aloud, stress the first part: GREENhouse is a glass building for plants. A green HOUSE is just a house painted green.
A butterfly isn't made of butter. A red herring isn't a fish. When the parts don't explain the word, reread the sentence for context clues.
Imposter check — is it really a compound? Tap to find out.
Choose your unit
Rank is the level
Every unit has its own rank. Each rank drills one reading skill — no mixing mid-mission. Get 6 of 8 right on the first try to earn a promotion.
Speed comes from confidence. Confidence comes from reps.