Korean Job Discussion Forums

[raewon]

So I've recently discovered that sometimes I write compound nouns incorrectly and I wish to correct myself. They can be written as a single word, with a hyphen, or as two separate words. When I am not 100% which is correct, what is the authoritative source? Websites recommend to use a dictionary in this case - but it doesn't seem to that easy. Take "folk tale" for example:

- My dictionary (Merriam-Webster's Collegiate) only lists it as "folktale"
(Why isn't "folk tale" listed?)

- Many online dictionaries list "folktale / folk tale"

- The oxford online dictionary lists only "folk tale". (Why isn't "folktale"
listed?)

Of course I wouldn't write "folkmusic" - but I can't use that to justify having to write "folk tale".

Perhaps I can just avoid using compound nouns in life - or at least avoid writing them.

[The Gipkik]

Most compound nouns begin as two or three word phrases, but through general use and common acceptance, they become single words. Your example, folktale, is an example of two words that are conjoined due to general acceptance and common usage. Having them separate isn't wrong, it's just an indication that some groups haven't accepted the compound noun as a single word form yet, but for all intents and purposes "folktale" has been accepted. Best to go to more authoritative sources when in doubt.

There aren't any direct rules as to when to hyphen or not. Sometimes both are okay. It all depends on how prevalent the phrase's usage has become. A hyphen often means it is on its way to becoming conjoined, but there is still some disagreement with the lexicographers.

[SusieQ_TX]

Be grateful you aren't trying to figure this out with German.

[Demophobe]

[dbmctague]