COMPOUND WORDS - ULiege

1 IntroductionA COMPOUND word is a union of two or more WORDS to convey a unitidea or special meaning that is not as clearly or quickly conveyed byseparated WORDS . COMPOUND WORDS may be hyphenated, written open(as separate WORDS ), or written solid (closed).A hyphenated COMPOUND also called a unit modifier is simplya combination of WORDS joined by a hyphen or hyphens. The hyphenis a mark of punctuation that not only unites but separates thecomponent WORDS ; thus, it aids understanding and readability andensures correct pronunciation.

2 WORDS are hyphenated mainly toexpress the idea of a unit and to avoid ambiguity. (See UnitModifiers, rules 15.)shell-likecloud-to-ground strokeswell-to-doroof-to-wall constructionMesozoic to Cenozoic north-trending grabenfluvial-paludal floodplain systemAn open COMPOUND is a combination of WORDS so closely associatedthat they convey the idea of a single concept but are spelled asunconnected WORDS :lowest common denominatorcanyon headA solid (closed) COMPOUND combines two or more WORDS into onesolid word ( , breakdown).

3 The use of compounding in our language is an evolving process. Asexpressions become more popular or adopt special meanings, theyfollow a gradual evolution from two or more separate or hyphenatedwords to single visual .. editor .. copy-editor ..copyeditorwild wild-life ..wildlifeFor some years now, the trend has been to spell compounds as solidwords as soon as acceptance warrants. This is a trend, not a rule,but it can be helpful in deciding how to format a new or differentcompound expression.

4 (Note, however, the precautions regardingarbitrary compounding in the following paragraph and abouthyphenation of unit modifiers in rule )Compounding is in such a state of flux that dictionaries do notalways agree and, worse yet, many COMPOUND terms are unlisted. Inapplying the compounding rules in this guide and in GPO (theprimary basis for MMS rules), keep in mind the living fluidity of ourlanguage. Because word forms change constantly, it is important toremember that the rules for compounding cannot be applied is also important to avoid arbitrary compounding.

5 When you haveCOMPOUND WORDS71a compounding problem, check the rules and especially the listsprovided in this guide and GPO for analogy with listed list at the end of this section, which was based largely on GPO,offers the preferred compounding of many potentially troublesomewords and expressions frequently used in MMS Offshore scientificand technical publications. Some WORDS are included simply for quickreference. The few exceptions to the list of GPO-recommended usagesare expressions of MMS or historical industry usage.

6 These exceptionsare indicated with an asterisk in the list at the end of this , Webster s Third New International Dictionary of theEnglish Language (WNI 3) is the reference source for WORDS in theMMS listing that are not in GPO. (Although the compounding rulesof WNI 3 don t always agree with those of GPO, WNI 3 is anexcellent secondary reference because it is so extensive. As in allmatters of MMS style, GPO remains the primary reference source.)

7 Basic Some word pairs convey a different meaning when they arewritten as solid compounds. Choose the correct form for what (regardless)any way (in any manner or way)blue bird (any bird colored blue)bluebird (a bird of the genus Silalia)high light (an elevated light)highlight (as a noun means the most outstanding part) highlight (as a verb means to give special emphasis or bring attention to)under way (as an adverb means in motion, in process)underway (as an adjective means occurring, performed, or used whiletraveling or in motion)

8 WORDS usually are compounded (either solid or hyphenated) toconvey an idea that would not be as clearly expressed if the wordswere not (compare with water soluble) COMPOUND Certain expressions are written as separate WORDS when theyare used as noun phrases but are hyphenated or written solid whenthey are used as adjectives before nouns. (See Unit Modifiers, 15.)deep sea ..deep-sea faunadeep water ..deep-water technologyfood dependenciesdark green.

9 Dark-green When verbs are combined with a preposition or adverb,write them as two WORDS . When the same two WORDS are used asnouns or adjectives, however, they should be hyphenated or or adjectivebreak up ..breakupbuild up ..builduprun off ..runoffshut down ..shutdownshut in ..shut-inPrefixes, Suffixes, and Combining Most WORDS with prefixes, suffixes, or combining forms areprinted solid, except as indicated elsewhere in this guide and in of specific examples can be found in GPO rules , , Note, however, that although most WORDS beginning with theshort prefixes co, de, pre, pro, and re are printed solid, a hyphen issometimes used to avoid doubling a vowel or tripling aconsonant.

10 A hyphen is also used to join a prefix or combining formto a capitalized word or to distinguish a COMPOUND word from (leisure), re-creation (create again)recover (return to normal), re-cover (cover again) A prefix that is standing alone but is representative of a compoundword carries a and underusedmicro- and macroeconomics The pre- and postsale activities were documented. The pre- and postlease sale reports were completed. In their rule , GPO states that compounds ending in the wordslisted usually are printed solid.