Style discussion: Hyphens for non-, super- and -like

JonScribe · **Posted:** Fri Jul 23, 2004 5:05 pm

After yet another call from a reader telling us we don't know what we're doing because we didn't hyphenate a word beginning with "non" in a story -- (Quote: "You should hyphenate the word, dear. It would make you look smarter.") -- we have started an examination into when and how we should use hyphens, specifically for "non" and "super" as prefixes and "like" as a suffix.I'd just as soon stick with AP style. But some believe that some words are difficult to read when "non" is not hyphenated.Comments? Suggested rules? Non sequiturs?

Phillip Blanchard · **Posted:** Fri Jul 23, 2004 5:13 pm

No need to reinvent the wheel. Hyphenate if the word does not appear in WNW as solid.

Oeditpus Rex · **Posted:** Sat Jul 24, 2004 12:39 pm

<blockquote>quote:<hr>Originally posted by JonScribe:
and "like" as a suffix.<hr></blockquote>When and why would you not use a hyphen for this?That said, I agree with the caller. I'm particularly tired of seeing "nonprofit" in place of "non-profit organization" -- at least on first reference.

nstockdale · **Posted:** Sat Jul 24, 2004 11:52 pm

I think this just shows how disparate people's opinions are on this. Hyphens on "non" words don't bother me at all. But the no-hyphen "likes" and "supers" are difficult to read, I think. AP tried to remove hyphens from most "anti" words two years ago, only to revoke the rule last year. I wish it would follow suit with "like."

paulwiggins · **Posted:** Sun Jul 25, 2004 2:53 am

<blockquote>quote:<hr>Originally posted by blanp:
No need to reinvent the wheel. Hyphenate if the word does not appear in WNW as solid.<hr></blockquote>Amen (with change of dictionary outside the US). Why do people resist this eminently sensible practice? What makes folk think they know more than the dictionary compilers?

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Style discussion: Hyphens for non-, super- and -like

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