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Is however a compound word


Rules, Frequent Errors, and Why They Matter

Here’s the thing about the English language, in general, that’s not just specific to compound words: It’s full of pitfalls — simple errors that can alienate readers, turn off subscribers, and annoy buyers.

That’s why Copyblogger has historically put a heavy emphasis on avoiding incorrect spelling and usage, such as these 11 common grammar mistakes.

And when you’ve been doing this as long as we have, you’re going to discover even more common errors. The most recent for me, though, has been a host of compounds.

“What is a compound word?” you ask … let me show you what I mean.

What is a compound word?

A compound word is simply a word that is formed from two or more other words. Typically, the new combination of words creates a new or broader meaning.

Compound words often produce writing mistakes because it’s easy to forget if they’re spelled as one word or two words. If they aren’t double-checked (see what I did there?) by an editor, they can lead to glaring errors.

Types of compound words

There are three main types to keep in mind: open compound words, closed compound words, and hyphenated compound words.

If we take a look at each one, you’ll not only be better positioned to spot a compound word in the future, you’ll also cut down on spelling mistakes.

Open compound words

I think the open variety are the most tricky to spot. A key characteristic of this type is that they’re two separate words frequently used together.

Since they’re two separate words, it can be confusing to identify them. However, you know they’re compound words because they need to be written in a specific order to achieve a specific meaning.

Examples:

  • Relationship building
  • Coffee table
  • Yoga mat

Each separate word is a noun, but the combination creates more descriptive language.

Closed compound words

Now that we’ve covered open compounds, closed compound words should be pretty straightforward.

They combine two nouns into a single word to create a compound word with a different definition.

Examples:

  • Eyeglasses
  • Frontrunner
  • Handwriting

Notice how each word is a standard word that can be broken down into two separate words. A compound word isn’t a blend of two words, such as a portmanteau.

Hyphenated compound words

Hyphenated compound words can be easily confused with open ones. Sometimes, a writer will hyphenate words when they should be separated with a space, or vice versa.

Examples:

  • Editor-in-Chief
  • Long-form
  • Part-time

Seasoned writers know that whenever they hyphenate a word, they should look up the meaning and spelling to verify that their choice to hyphenate is accurate. Especially because some hyphenated compounds are hyphenated when used as an adjective but not hyphenated if they’re placed after nouns.

Examples:

  • Sue is a part-time writer.
  • Sue works part time.

Still not convinced you should double-check? Keep reading …

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Compound word errors that might make you look like a numbskull

If you’re ready to break the bad habit of letting compound word mistakes run rampant in your writing, review these common slip ups that can trip up your reader.

It doesn’t take much extra time to make sure your content isn’t tarnished with careless errors.

Never mind vs. nevermind

Let’s blame Kurt Cobain, because ever since the poster child for Generation X’s winter of discontent christened Nirvana’s world-altering album Nevermind, I’ve always spelled “never mind” as a compound word.

But, as Cobain knew, that’s grammatically incorrect — to a degree. See, the compound word nevermind is actually an old-fashioned way of saying “notice” or “pay attention,” but used in a negative style:

You’ll do well to pay Cobain no nevermind.

You’ll never need to use “no nevermind” in a sentence, since “pay attention” or “notice” will work better. But do use the two-word variation when you mean “please ignore.”

Never mind what I just said.

A lot vs. alot

This one’s pretty easy.

“A lot” is an idiom, and means “very much.”

Brian rocks out a lot when he listens to Nevermind.

“Alot,” on the other hand, isn’t a word, so you shouldn’t use it. Ever. People will laugh at you.

By the way, don’t confuse “a lot” with “allot,” which means to distribute or give out.

I will allot four donuts to each of you. That’s a lot of donuts.

All together vs. altogether

One means “as a group,” while the other means “completely” or “entirely.”

He stacked the records all together, and the collection amounted altogether to four hundred.

Every day vs.

everyday

The single word can be used as a noun or adjective. It expresses the routine, the commonplace.

The two word phrase, however, expresses duration or time.

He listens to Nevermind every day on his everyday record player.

All right vs. alright

This one is a little tricky because they both mean the same thing: okay, very well, satisfactory, certainty, or safe.

I’m all right if you’re alright.

However, the single word is informal, which is why you’ll get the red squiggly lines in WordPress or Microsoft Word if you try to use it. The preferred use is two words, all right? Better yet, to avoid reader confusion, be specific:

Are you safe? Is that paper satisfactory?

Anytime vs. any time

Here’s another one that’s quite subtle.

We’re talking about the difference between “at any time” (whenever) and just “any time.”

If you’re going for the meaning “at any time,” use the adverb anytime. If you only mean to use the words “any time,” keep the words separate.

The most common mistake here is writing “at anytime,” since the meaning of the adverb already includes “at.” The correct version is “at any time.“

A while vs. awhile

Since we’ve covered the difference between anytime and any time, it’s easier to understand the difference between a while and awhile.

Here, awhile is our adverb, which means “for a while.” For example, you’d write “sit down and stay awhile” to communicate “sit down and stay for a while.”

Can you spot the common mistake? It’s when a writer uses “stay for awhile,” instead of “stay for a while,” because the meaning of the adverb awhile already includes “for.”

Sometime vs. some time

Sometime is another adverb. It’s used to communicate an unknown amount of time or unspecified time in the future. The two words “some time” (an adjective and a noun) communicate a period of time, usually a long one.

It’s the difference between “let’s get together sometime” and “it’s been some time since the old friends have spoken.”

Age-old compound words: your questions answered

Wondering if a certain word is compound?

Check out these common questions and use the skills you’ve learned so far to dissect them — then see if you’ve guessed the correct answer!

Is because a compound word?

“Because” is indeed a compound word because it can be broken down into two separate words — “be” and “cause.” If you can spot two separate words within a single word, it’s likely a compound word. “Because” is one of the closed compound words mentioned above.

Is around a compound word?

“Around” doesn’t look compound at first glance, but if we dig a little deeper, you’ll see it’s made up of the words “a” and “round.” Since the word is formed from two existing words to create a new meaning, it’s a compound word.

Is together a compound word?

“Together” is technically a compound word because it’s made up of three existing words — “to,” “get,” and “her. ” However, this closed compound word is different from others that derive their meaning from the words that are combined, such as “breakfast” or “birthday.”

Is before a compound word?

“Before” is a compound word because, like the word “because,” it’s made up of the two words “be” and “fore.” “Fore” might not be a commonly used word today, but it is a word that means “placed in front.” So, it’s a closed compound word.

Is strawberry a compound word?

“Strawberry” is a compound word that consists of the two words “straw” and “berry.” It’s a good example of how two nouns can form a compound word. “Straw” isn’t an adjective that describes the berry itself. However, “blueberry” and “blackberry” are both compound words.

Is butterfly a compound word?

The last of our frequently asked questions is a beautiful one to picture. Yes, “butterfly” is a compound word made up of the words “butter” and “fly.” It’s a closed compound word because in order to achieve the proper meaning of the noun, the two words function together without a space.

Compound v. verb phrases

Now let me introduce you to a special set that changes in meaning and shape when they are used as a verb, adjective, or noun … and can cause all kinds of problems.

The verb form usually consists in two words:

  • I need to back up my WordPress site.
  • Did you set up the camera?
  • You need to make up the exam before October.
  • We are trying to work out our differences.
  • Stop by the office and pick up your money.
  • I couldn’t wake him up on time because I couldn’t wake up myself!

The compound usually serves as an adjective:

  • Do you have a backup copy of your site?
  • I lost the setup instructions.
  • The makeup exam is on October 1.
  • Marathon runners have insane workout programs.
  • Watch out, he’s a pickup artist.
  • Hit the wakeup button!

Or the compound can serve as a noun:

  • I wish I had a backup of my site.
  • That was a setup.
  • She puts loads of makeup on her face.
  • That workout makes people vomit.
  • There’s been a pickup in business.
  • What time is wakeup?

What’s the big deal?

You might wonder why we flip out over stress the importance of accurate grammar and usage. Well, there are a couple of reasons …

  1. You look silly or unprofessional when you don’t get it right. Don’t think the content proofreading police aren’t watching. They are. And they never sleep.
  2. Great writers not only struggle with their words and getting ideas down on paper accurately, but with fine tuning everything — including their usage.

Sharpening the saw in the small stuff is a healthy habit for writers … no matter how long they’ve been in the business.

So, any time you think you might be using a word incorrectly, look it up. You’ll keep people from laughing at you, and get a little smarter in the process.

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Examples of Compound Words by Type

Compound words are an easy way to add interest to your writing. By combining two ideas in one word, you can quickly provide all the information needed. These examples of compounds will show you how it's done.

Grandmother Illustration With Compound Word Example

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What Are Compound Words?

A compound word is formed when two words are combined to make a new word. It is one of the ways in which the English language is flexible and always changing, as compound words allow people to create new words as the need arises.

For example, you might use “in” and “side” to create the compound word “inside”.

We should play inside today.

The words “carry” and “over” can make the compound word “carry over”.

We can carry over that surplus into the next sprint.

As you can see, compound words can come in different varieties. Explore examples of each.

Examples of Compound Words

When it comes to compound words, there are three different types that are important: closed-form, open-form, and hyphenated. Dive into how each type of compound word is different.

Closed-Form Compound Word Examples

Closed compound words are formed when two fully independent, unique words are combined to create a new word. For example, you would combine “grand” and “mother” to create the closed-form word “grandmother”. In a sentence, this would look like, “My grandmother is coming over.” These are the most common types of compound words.

For example:

  • bullfrog
  • snowball
  • mailbox
  • grandmother
  • railroad
  • sometimes
  • inside
  • upstream
  • basketball
  • anybody
  • outside
  • cannot
  • skateboard
  • everything
  • schoolhouse
  • grasshopper
  • sunflower
  • moonlight

Open Compound Word Examples

Open compound words are formed when two words remain separate on the page but are used together to create a new idea with a specific meaning. For example, “attorney” and “general” are used to form the open compound word “attorney general”. You could see this in the sentence, “The attorney general holds the power in legal matters.” Other examples of open compounds include:

  • peanut butter
  • Boy Scouts
  • no one
  • ice cream
  • real estate
  • high school
  • living room
  • sweet tooth
  • hot dog
  • grand jury
  • post office
  • full moon
  • half sister
  • cave in

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Hyphenated Compound Word Examples

Hyphenated compound words are formed when two separate words are joined together by a hyphen. Examples of hyphenated compound words include:

  • two-fold
  • check-in
  • merry-go-round
  • father-in-law
  • seventy-two
  • long-term
  • up-to-date
  • mother-in-law
  • one-half
  • over-the-counter

Note that hyphenated compound words are most commonly used when the words being joined together are combined to form an adjective before a noun. For example:

  • forty-acre farm
  • full-time worker
  • on-campus housing
  • state-of-the-art features
  • family-run busines

However, these hyphenated compound words become open compounds when they are placed after the word they describe. For example:

  • The farm has forty acres.
  • The worker is full time.
  • The housing is all on campus for freshman
  • Its features are truly state of the art.
  • The business is still family run.

Compound Words in Sentences

Now that you learned about the different types of compound words, see if you can find the compound words in the sentences below.

  • My grandfather is coming home for the holidays.
  • I really want a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
  • The real estate agent had to take a test to get her license.
  • She is a part-time teacher.
  • That is our full-time worker.
  • I’m so tired of looking for on-campus housing.
  • He was seventy-two years old.
  • Let’s go play some basketball
  • Has anybody seen my binder?

If you have those down, try creating a few sentences using compound words that you create!

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Compound the Reader's Interest

By adding compound words to your writing, you can make your ideas more interesting and descriptive for the reader. The addition of too many compounds can be messy, especially hyphenated compound words; so, be sure to use compound words wisely. Like any seasoning, they are best sprinkled throughout your writing instead of used in every line.

Now, that you have a grasp of compound words, you might want to dive into some compound sentence examples.

M.A. English

  • 7th grade
  • 8th grade
  • 9th grade
  • middle school
  • high school
  • college
  • 6th grade

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is separated by commas or not at the beginning, in the middle, at the end of the sentence according to the rules of the Russian language

The word "however" claims different roles in the sentence. Its isolation depends on this, especially at the beginning of a sentence. We figure out whether it is separated by commas or not according to the rules of the Russian language

Nadezhda Krymskaya

Author

Elena Sharova

Philologist, proofreader,
professional experience
0003

Quite often we use "however" as an emotional response with notes of surprise. Remember at least the very anecdote about the cunning Chukchi. "However!" In addition, we use the word without exclamation. We make it introductory in the sentence and surround it with commas. That's just for many, punctuation marks around the bush "however" become real stumbling blocks. After all, the word can be non-isolated and stand at the very beginning of the sentence. And in some cases, commas are absolutely necessary with it. How to avoid confusion and not stumble over insidious bumps and heels? Everything is quite simple: you need to find out the mission of this many-sided "however", defining it as a part of speech.

A comma is needed

There are several options for separating the word "however". First, it expresses itself as an interjection. In this form, the word demonstrates surprise (indignation) and is formed as an independent sentence. Or it is allocated with a comma in the general context. The second option: “however” is an introductory word in the middle of a sentence and cannot be replaced by the union “but”. The third case: “however” can be changed in meaning to the union “but” - which means that the punctuation mark is needed only before it. It is also important to remember here that in the role of the union "but" it can separate homogeneous members of a sentence or be a link in a complex one.

Examples

As an interjection, the word emphasizes the effect of emotionality. In terms of meaning, it is synonymous with “wow!”, “wow!”.

“However! This season has been a good one for the team."

"This season has been a good one for the team, though!"

Being an introductory word "however" chooses a place for itself in the middle and at the end of the sentence. It can be removed from the text without distorting the meaning, pick up close in meaning "after all", "nevertheless", "nevertheless".

Compare: "The long-awaited spring, however, proved to be warm and rainy days" and "The long-awaited spring nevertheless proved to be warm and rainy days. "

If the conjunction “but” is significant, put a comma before the word “however”.

“This time in the pool we trained with a double load, but we didn’t feel even a little tired” (“This time in the pool we trained with a double load, but we didn’t feel even a little tired”).

“Yevgeny wanted to mold a jug out of clay, but it turned out to be a vase” (Yevgeny wanted to mold a jug out of clay, but it turned out to be a vase).

No comma required

If the sentence begins with the word "however", no comma is required. It is important to understand here that in this case the word acts as a union "but". And it is also necessary to remember an exception to the rule: a comma must be placed before the participial and participle revolutions and before the first word in the sentence “however”.

There is another case when this word becomes an adverb and is not distinguished by punctuation marks. In the meaning of “equally”, “it doesn’t matter”, “all the same”, “the same”, it was used earlier by Russian writers, and now many authors use the adverb to create a funny context, as well as to convey the speech of the peoples of the north. Russian spelling:
complex rules in simple words For spelling to be your trump card, read spelling section

More details

Examples

“However (but) he was not allowed to cross to the other side of the street.”

As an adverb:

“However, (all the same) I am not bored: neither on weekdays, nor on holidays.”

"However (it doesn't matter) to a wandering artist where to perform: in the metro or in the city center."

Interesting facts

There is a version that the word “however” is originally Russian. And it was formed from the word "one", but, however, in the female version - "one". Literally means "not all". In this case, the prefix "not", as you know, is a negation, and "k" means "all".

Many associate the word "however" with the small people of the north - the Chukchi. Allegedly, they are illiterate and constantly insert this parasitic word into their speech. Actually, this is a myth. Modern residents of Chukotka are educated and very hardworking people. They always tactfully explain to visitors that literally “chauchu” means “rich in deer”. And now they prefer to call themselves "luorovetlans", which means "real people".

Expert advice

Elena Sharova, philologist, proofreader journalist, professional experience 30 years :

– The meaning of life of commas, dashes and other inhabitants of the country Punctuation – divide and conquer! Especially when it comes to introductory words. Then their position in the sentence matters. A comma is needed after the introductory word, if the sentence begins with it. When it is located in the middle, select it on both sides. It is important to remember: if we are not sure whether it is introductory or not, whether we should put commas, we need to move this word to another part of the sentence. If the meaning does not change, it is introductory, which means that commas are needed.

Our word "however" becomes introductory when it denotes the speaker's attitude to the event. For example: "Look, however, guys, be punctual and polite."

Another unusual facet of this word: it can be replaced by the union "but". Then it "takes over" the opposition, and a comma is needed before it. Example: "Working in the editorial office was hard, but very interesting."

And finally: the word "however" can be an interjection, denoting emotions, most often admiration. It is followed by an exclamation point if it is a separate sentence. Example: "However! During the presentation of the tour, you made a splash!”

This interjection can also place an emotional emphasis at the end of a sentence. In this case, we always put a comma before “however”. Example: "You have shown unprecedented delicacy, however!"

Test yourself

Do you remember where it is necessary to separate “however” with commas? Answer questions and consolidate knowledge.

Pass the test

They proved to be very capable. However!

However, be careful in the mountains. Further

Check

Learn the result

, however, I do not want to meet friends who are so awes.

It was a good shot, though!

At the station, the timetable was amended, but this did not affect the total time of train movement.

more

Further

Check

4. Be careful. There are gaps in your knowledge.

Learn the result
Pass again

1-3 points. Be careful. There are gaps in your knowledge.

Go again

1-3 points. Be careful. There are gaps in your knowledge.

Pass again

4-5 points. You are good, keep practicing.

Pass again

4-5 points. You are good, keep practicing.

Pass again

6-7 points. Congratulations! You have mastered the material.

Go again

Cover photo: Mikhail Frolov

When do you have trouble stopping punctuation? Share in the comments:


Comments for the site Cackl e

Sentences with the word “however”

We found 80 sentences with the word "however". Synonyms for "however". Meaning of the word. Characters. "however" is a morphemic parse.

  • However, I cannot say that I had a passionate hunt for small birds either: although I had several of them, however, I was not a hunter for them.
  • However, Nikolai, with all the ardor of his complete mediocrity, rushed into military adventures.
  • However, General Sofronov failed to fulfill this promise.
  • However, Nikolai's entourage and himself deliberately led the matter to confrontation and war.
  • However, I am very grateful to my horse for the fact that he served as an occasion for close communication with Nikolai Kiryakovich.
  • However, the misfortune that happened to Mazarin only cheered up the people, who saw heavenly punishment in this illness.
  • In this case, but , the usually insoluble question of origin allows some conjecture to arise.
  • Aunt, generous, cheerful, but had not the slightest idea of ​​child psychology.
  • This phenomenon does not include, but , nothing special.
  • Here, but , she ran into opposition from the children.
  • However, this did not prevent Heinrich from making an addition: " However, something of this kind would be extremely interesting."
  • However, this did not prevent Louis XIV from having a great time in their company.
  • However, his stay near Elizabeth from 1742 to 1757 was of great importance: he supported Bestuzhev.
  • I will try to prove the opposite, not hoping, however, completely fill this gap.
  • Extremely amorous, I don't remember, but so that I fall in love with him, although now it amazes me that this did not happen.
  • The ambassador was wounded, and in the princess's daughter his arrival aroused hopes, which turned out to be however , ghostly.
  • However, was no better in the Eastern Sector either.
  • However, Petrov declared that he would leave when the entire army left Odessa.
  • Some courtiers, but , were jarred by such irrepressible attraction of the king to carnal pleasures.
  • However, it would be naive to believe that there were people who took her words at face value.
  • However, don't forget that the hatred for the enemy was brought up in my soul not from the newspapers.
  • It, but , destroyed it and overturned all the Chancellor's calculations.
  • However, I enter here the area of ​​intimate life, where the experience of the past forces me to subdivide my readers into categories.
  • However, he is weakened only because the enemy is doing everything possible to cover our flanks.
  • However, I made some cautious conclusion.
  • However, Paul de Gondi for some time began to realize that he was mistaken in believing that the idea of ​​a civil war would find wide support among the population.
  • It seems that but could even then more soberly assess whether the real probability of large landings, especially from the sea, is great.
  • Let's return, but , to the army retreating to Sevastopol.
  • However, much more often, or rather, almost always, he was able to remain calm in the face of circumstances.
  • However, Elizabeth at one time seemed to have gained the upper hand over her rival.
  • However, obedience did not make him a brilliant student.
  • However, , as you know, the Fifty-First Army is moving there.
  • However, this year one more room of about three square meters was added to the expedition house.
  • However, excessive display of snobbery caused general contempt.
  • However, the same chronicles state that although Vladimir departed from paganism, but did not immediately decide on the choice of a new faith.
  • However, the enemy continued to attack in all directions.
  • However, Napoleon still managed to gain confidence in him, for which, but , he soon nearly paid the price.
  • However, the lack of the necessary combat composure at first clearly affected both the leadership of the troops and their actions.
  • However, the governor still had to fulfill the order given to him.
  • It was considered, but , one of the most ancient and famous cities in Russia, having played a big role in the history of the North-Eastern region.
  • https://sinonim.org/
  • However, was hard to believe by the time I arrived to visit her.
  • And, but , we were very interested and our knowledge of music increased.
  • Fat, full-blooded, always under the threat of apoplexy, her husband outlived her, but , by thirty years.
  • However, his ease manifested itself only in a free manner of judgment.
  • However, it cannot be said that in the company of Louis XIV the girl remained indifferent.
  • However, would be a delusion to take at face value everything that is written in them.
  • However, there was a flaw in this agreement.
  • Although at that time he was appointed military commissar of the 63rd Cavalry Regiment, , however, all the time he acted as commissar of the cavalry brigade.
  • However, this time, nothing happened to my mother.
  • However, he was smart enough to keep the numerous notes of the Grand Duchess demanding money, money, money.
  • However, , sadly, our family has its black sheep.
  • The present consideration of the problem, however , proceeded in a confidential setting.
  • Numb from this thick, lovely toy, I thought: " But what a curly mind his mommy has. "
  • Possessing more restraint, Ekaterina, , however, , was alien to such doubts, and the origin of the Bobrinskys was not surrounded by mystery.
  • However, , judging by the reports that were broadcast on the radio and published in newspapers, this period has not yet arrived.
  • However, was not at all worried or upset about this.
  • His mother noticed everything, but gave nothing away.
  • Probably, it was so, this is also suggested by his social position, however is just a guess.
  • However, one hundred thousand thalers made him think.
  • However, , at the age of eleven, they still printed me.
  • However, eye, eye, eye squinted in a strange way!
  • However, no one has yet become a sailor from wearing a vest and peakless cap.
  • However, never studied to become a pro, and I don't think the idea ever crossed his mind.
  • However, the accomplices of the coup demanded their part of the favours.
  • However, all their propaganda would never succeed in a country with a healthy economy, headed by an intelligent monarch.
  • However, he did not dare to call Kiya a “great wife” despite being in oblivion, but he did not dare to call Nefertiti quite alive.
  • However, in the evening after the performance somehow unexpectedly everyone gathered at Mironova's.
  • However, pastor Theodore differs unfavorably from his relatives in this.
  • However, the commander, by a deft maneuver at the last moment, brought the "hunter" out of the blow.
  • He was told, but , that "when a lot of people gather and with great lighting, the hall is warm."
  • However, the society was only half right.
  • There is not a soul in these rooms after a working day, however noise can still penetrate there.
  • A few days later he, but , became very alarmed.
  • However, Louise of Savoy judged that the right moment had come to eliminate the independent favorite and this moment should not be missed.
  • However, in one respect the husband's authority was unshakable.
  • However, Catherine I did not leave her thoughts, and in 1725.
  • It fits, but , only part of the furniture of the Empress.
  • However, Petrov was not one of those generals who succumbed to despondency in a difficult situation.
  • However, in Anna's marriage was not legally valid, since Brittany, being a vassal of France, had to get her consent to this marriage.

Open other sentences with this word

Source - introductory fragments of books with LitRes.

Synonyms for "however". Meaning of the word. Characters. "however" is a morphemic parse.

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