(See also Chapter 7 "Compounding Examples")
A compound word is a union of two or more words, either with or without a hyphen. It conveys a unit idea that is not as clearly or quickly conveyed by the component words in unconnected succession. The hyphen is a mark of punctuation that not only unites but separates the component words, and thus facilitates understanding, aids readability, and ensures correct pronunciation. When compound words must be divided at the end of a line, such division should be made leaving prefixes and combining forms of more than one syllable intact.
In applying the rules in this chapter and in using the list of examples in the following chapter, "Compounding Examples," the fluid nature of our language should be kept in mind. Word forms constantly undergo modification. Two-word forms, which often acquired the hyphen first, frequently bypass the hyphen stage and instantly assume a one-word form.
The rules, therefore, are somewhat flexible. Exceptions must necessarily be allowed. Current language trends continue to point to closing up certain words which, through either frequent use or widespread dissemination through modern media exposure, have become fixed in the reader's mind as units of thought. The tendency to merge two short words continues to be a natural progression toward better communication.
In general, omit the hyphen when words appear in regular order and the omission causes no ambiguity in sense or sound.
- banking hours
- blood pressure
- book value
- census taker
- day laborer
- eye opener
- fellow citizen
- living costs
- palm oil
- patent right
- real estate
- rock candy
- training ship
- violin teacher
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