English for Today by Ganiu Abisoye Bamgbose (Dr GAB)

PLURALISING COMPOUND NOUNS

I know some ~men-nurse~ (nonstandard).
I know some ~man-nurses~ (nonstandard).
I know some *men-nurses* (standard).

We heard the news from some ~passerbys~ (nonstandard).
We had the news from some *passersby* (standard).

They are responsible ~father-in-laws~ (nonstandard).
They are responsible *fathers-in-law* (standard).

He takes care of his ~steps-daughter~ (nonstandard).
He takes care of his *step-daughters* (standard).
GAB

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