Return-Path: <root> Received: (from root@localhost) by literacy.nifl.gov (8.10.2/8.10.2) id f7VBv4n11458 for health-archive@nifl.gov; Fri, 31 Aug 2001 07:57:04 -0400 (EDT) Resent-Message-Id: <200108311157.f7VBv4n11458@literacy.nifl.gov> Received: from f04n01.cac.psu.edu (f04s01.cac.psu.edu [128.118.141.31]) by literacy.nifl.gov (8.10.2/8.10.2) with ESMTP id f7RF0ef24083 for <nifl-health@nifl.gov>; Mon, 27 Aug 2001 11:00:40 -0400 (EDT) Received: from [146.186.96.31] (rack31.ed.psu.edu [146.186.96.31]) by f04n01.cac.psu.edu (8.9.3/8.9.3) with ESMTP id LAA34836 for <nifl-health@nifl.gov>; Mon, 27 Aug 2001 11:00:35 -0400 X-Sender: blv1@email.psu.edu Message-Id: <p05001902b7b008dd7ea5@[146.186.96.31]> In-Reply-To: <200108252203.f7PM3if15249@literacy.nifl.gov> References: <200108252203.f7PM3if15249@literacy.nifl.gov> Date: Mon, 27 Aug 2001 11:00:34 -0400 To: nifl-health@nifl.gov From: Barb Van Horn <blv1@psu.edu> Subject: Re: hyphen or no? Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" ; format="flowed" Resent-From: root@literacy.nifl.gov Resent-Date: Fri, 31 Aug 2001 07:57:04 -0400 Resent-To: health-archive@nifl.gov Status: O Content-Length: 3158 Lines: 81 Sandra, You wrote: >...I know the general rule is to hyphenate two words used together >to mean something new. And often the convention does not follow the rule, or >the hyphen just adds another mark on the page without clarifying the >meaning. ... First rule is to check the dictionary (see double check and double-check below). Second suggestion (not a rule) is to check the dictionary for similar words. For example, my dictionary doesn't include 'self control' or 'self care' as a hyphenated or compound word. But, it does include other compound words that start with 'self.' So, I'd hyphenate based on the number of other words that start with 'self' in the dictionary that ARE hyphenated. This approach also worked to select best response for 'well-baby,' and the same concept can be used with 'caregivers' below. Third suggestion is to consult a style manual. They include helpful rules and guidance regarding the use of hyphens and other exciting and often misused elements of our English language, such as confusing 'it's' with 'its' and correct use of commas and semicolons. I looked at my very old copy of the APA publications for guidelines that might help figure out how to hyphenate some of your examples. This was a perfect way for me to occupy my time on Monday morning -- before tackling work that I was REALLY supposed to be doing. Thanks! >[ ] baby proof your home >[x] baby-proof your home (The closest guideline to my choice here >said to use a hyphen if the meaning of the compound might not be >clear without the hyphen. I thought the hyphen here clarified the >meaning of the term.) > >[ ] Your home is now baby safe >[ ] You home is now baby-safe (I don't like either choice here. Why >not just say 'your home is now safe for your baby' rather than >making up a new compound word?) > >[ ] well baby checkup >[x] well-baby checkup > >[ ] gaining self control >[x] gaining self-control >[ ] gaining selfcontrol > >[ ] practicing good self care >[x] pracitcing good self-care >[ ] practicing good selfcare > >[ ] potty sitting practice >[x] potty-sitting practice (See my rationale with 'baby-proof.') > >[x] infection fighters (In this case, I think the meaning is clearer >without the hypen.) >[ ] infection-fighters > >[ ] double check the lock (This is listed in the dictionary but as a >noun, e.g., to make a double check.) >[x] double-check the lock (This is correct as the word is listed in >the dictionary as a verb, and that's how you've used it here.) > >[x] we are caregivers (I checked the dictionary and found >'caretaker' as a compound word, so I think 'caregivers' is a close >enough match in terms of intent of meaning to write it as a compound >word also.) >[ ] we are care-givers >[ ] we are care givers. -- Barb Van Horn (M.Ed., Reading) Co-Director, Institute for the Study of Adult Literacy Co-Director, Goodling Institute for Research in Family Literacy College of Education, Penn State University 102 Rackley Building, University Park, PA 16802-3202 BLV1@PSU.EDU (e-mail) 814-865-5876 (phone) 814-863-6108 (fax) "Moving adult literacy from the Margins to the Mainstream"
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