Compound Words

When two words are used together to yield a new meaning, a compound is formed. Compound words can be written in three ways: as open compounds (spelled as two words, e.g., ice cream), closed compounds (joined to form a single word, e.g., doorknob), or hyphenated compounds (two words joined by a hyphen, e.g., long-term). Sometimes, more than two words can form a compound (e.g., mother-in-law).

The most common spelling quandary writers face is whether to write compounds as separate words, one word, or hyphenated words.

Open Compound Words

An open compound word is created in cases when the modifying adjective is used with its noun to create a new noun. This isn’t quite the same as a noun with a modifying adjective. We just use a space between the adjective and the noun, so sometimes it can be hard to identify as a compound; however, if the two words are commonly used together, it’s considered to be a compound word.

living room

full moon

real estate

dinner table

coffee mug

When adverbs ending in -ly combine with another word, the resulting compound is always spelled as two separate words.

largely irrelevant

newly formed

Closed Compound Words

Closed compound words look like one word. At one point, these words weren’t used together, but they’re now accepted as a “real word” in the English language. Closed compound words are usually made up of only two words. Here are some closed compound examples.

notebook

Superman

waistcoat

bookstore

fireman

The English language is always evolving, and when words become used more frequently, they are often eventually written as one word. When the Internet first began, for example, we talked about going on-line. Now that this is a daily experience for most of us, the spelling online has become commonly accepted.

Hyphenated Compound Words

There are a great many grammar rules regarding hyphens in compound words. One important rule of thumb to remember is that in most cases, a compound adjective is hyphenated if placed before the noun it modifies, but not if placed after the noun.

a long-term solution

an up-to-date user guide

But…

This is not a good solution for the long term.

This user guide is not up to date.

This is just one of many rules concerning hyphens in compound words and it is often necessary to consult the dictionary to determine whether these terms should be hyphenated or not.

Texting and Dating: Best Practices

On the back of one of his albums, Bob Dylan reportedly wrote, “I accept chaos, but does chaos accept me?” In most areas of life, rules and procedures govern everything. However, when it comes to texting and dating, people tend to accept chaos. Should this be the case? Consider whether the following texting and dating guidelines would improve your chances of finding love.

1 Introduce yourself in your first text and use the name of the recipient: “Hi, Kirsten. It’s Brad from the party last night. How’s your day going so far?”

Why it’s effective: How many guys did Kirsten meet at the party last night? Don’t assume that you were the only one! If she’s too embarrassed to ask who you are because you didn’t identify yourself, she might decide not to reply. You’ll have ended your relationship before it starts. By the way, make sure you save the right number with the right name in your phone if you were a social butterfly at the gathering.

2 Text right away.

Why it’s effective: Remember the “wait three days before contact” rule? Yes, you should have some dating codes of conduct. But as standards go, this one should be thrown out the window. According to a website that gives advice to eHarmony users , it’s a good idea to contact a love interest right away. Otherwise, they might lose interest because they think you are playing games or because they found someone else in the meantime.

3 Use proper spelling and grammar. Be careful of text acronyms and shorthand; both you and your recipient need to understand what they mean for them to be worthwhile.

Why it’s effective: The way you write reflects on how intelligent you are perceived to be, especially by someone you haven’t met in person. Good grammar gives the impression of education, eloquence, and good breeding. AskMen.com reports that bad grammar can impede your chances of attracting a mate. In online dating, men who use “whom” correctly are contacted 30 percent more often than men who confuse it with “who”!

4 Don’t keep sending texts if the person hasn’t responded. “Hi, Bill! Do you want to go out again?” (minutes later) “Hi, Bill. I was wondering if you got my text about a second date.” (the next morning) “Hi, Bill. I sent you a text. Did you get it?”

Why multiple texts aren’t effective: Modern communication is pretty reliable. If you sent a text, it probably arrived. If you are in a relationship with someone, call or visit them at home to make sure everything is okay. If you are just getting to know the person, a lack of response might indicate that they have decided not to pursue a relationship with you. If they are interested and have telephone issues, they will likely reconnect with you as soon as they can. Resist the urge to send text after unreturned text; you run the risk of appearing desperate. And if there really is a problem with their phone, they won’t be getting your texts anyway.

Texting is a tool for communication. You shouldn’t send texts haphazardly. The simple guidelines above are easy to implement. Don’t be content with chaos like Bob Dylan; it’s unlikely to result in a healthy relationship. Take time to think about what and how you text. Your well-crafted messages may be the very things that attract the attention of your perfect match.

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