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Constructing => General Discussion => Topic started by: brasarehot on October 22, 2017, 10:12:51 AM

Title: Hyphenated vs Two-word phrases
Post by: brasarehot on October 22, 2017, 10:12:51 AM

So I was told once that my themeless puzzle had too many single-word long answers.

Are hyphenated expressions considered single words?
Do two-word answers trump hyphenated answers?

Thanks alot!

Title: Re: Hyphenated vs Two-word phrases
Post by: mmcbs on October 22, 2017, 03:20:33 PM

No hard and fast rules there, but in my opinion compound words (BALLPARK, KEYBOARD, REDHEAD), hyphenated words (DAUGHTER-IN-LAW, EIGHT-HOUR) and familiar phrases (POST OFFICE, DARK MATTER, SWIMMING SUIT) are all generally considered preferable to single long words. Of the few themeless puzzles I've had accepted for publication I'd say about 3/4 of the long entries fall into one of those three categories. The more the better.