by donovan reynolds. on August 11th, 2006

donovan reynolds.

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When and why did hyphenated words such as "to-day", "good-bye", "to-morrow" and such lose their hyphens?

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  • by ProperUsage on October 11th, 2006

    ProperUsage

    Modern English and especially American English is a constantly evolving language. The previous use of hyphens was lilely an aid to syllabication. Currently, the over-use of hyphens is a crutch for unsure spellers.

    Good-by or good-bye, if you prefer, are properly hyphenated in the context of expressions of farewell. They are two seperate words combined for this purpose. The expression is actually a contraction for God (assuming you believe in God) be with you. Today, on the other hand, ought not be hyphenated. Perhaps it is a remnant of Middle English?

    Donniegirl apparently intended "literary" instead of "literal" and "pronunciation" instead of "pronounciation."

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  • by Ullyses on October 11th, 2006

    Ullyses

    I don't think they have ever been hyphenated. Today and tomorrow are most likely contractions of the day and the morrow while, as has been explained, god be with you (god be wi'ye) became goodbye. You can't lose what you never had.

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  • by Anonymous on August 15th, 2006

    Anonymous

    The hyphens are missing? Oh my gosh, you're right! Someone must've stolen them.

    Time to search everyone. Nobody leaves the room until the hyphens are found.

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  • by donniegirl on August 12th, 2006

    donniegirl

    For literal reasons, such as pronounciation.

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