I’m typing in Microsoft Word, and it automatically separated the word T-shirt when it ran out of room: blah blah blah, Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, I have a T- shirt leaving just the letter “T” on one line. This doesn’t look right to me at all, or for any compound, hyphenated word, yet basically … Read more
What is the correct word, plugin or plug-in? Does it depend from the context? Answer As others have mentioned, most dictionaries (including the OED) list plug-in as appropriate. I’d seriously shy away from calling plugin incorrect—I mean, just look how many hits you can get with Firefox and plugin. In my experience, especially with computer … Read more
Some compound words are written without hyphens (nonaggression, nonbeliever), some with hyphens (well-intentioned), and others with spaces (post office). Is there a rule or good guide as to which option should be used? Answer In English, there are three types of compound words: the closed form, in which the words are melded together, such as … Read more
Do you capitalize both parts of a hyphenated word in a title? “My Ex-Wife Hates Me” or “My Ex-wife Hates Me” Answer Capitalization of hyphenated words in general is really more a question of style than anything else. In other word, choose a rule and be consistent with it: From Garbl’s writing center: When capitalizing … Read more
What are the rules in English language to split words at the end of a line? Where exactly must the hyphen split the word? Answer The easiest thing to do, and the only way of being sure you agree with the authorities, is to look words up in the dictionary. Some of the hyphenations currently … Read more
