In the question below, fill the gap with the most appropriate option:
The carpenter asked for ten packets of .... nails
A
fifteen-centimetre
B
fifteen centimetres'
C
fifteen- centimetres
D
fifteen-centimetres'
Verified Correct Answer: A.
Grammar & Contextual Explanation
When using compound adjectives (adjective phrases describing a noun), the correct structure is:
Number + singular measurement + noun
"fifteen-centimetre nails" is correct because "fifteen-centimetre" acts as a compound adjective modifying "nails".
In compound adjectives, the measurement unit remains singular (e.g., "a five-kilometre race", "a ten-dollar bill").
Source: Myschool Past Questions Archive (Record #7170)