- NEW!
by ProperUsage on October 11th, 2006
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."
by Ullyses on October 11th, 2006
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.
by Anonymous on August 15th, 2006
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.
by donniegirl on August 12th, 2006
For literal reasons, such as pronounciation.
Is personnel singular or plural?
by Answerbag Staff on July 4th, 2010
| 1 person likes this
Is moron pronounced "mor-on" or "moh-ron"?"
by einsteinwasright0116 on July 7th, 2011
| 1 person likes this
Why do people care about others grammar use?
by missCT on August 1st, 2011
| 4 people like this
Without any further ado, can someone please explain what ado is?
by One mans opinion on August 23rd, 2011
| 2 people like this
Who here has been called a grammar nazi? I have!
by compaq on July 16th, 2011
| 1 person likes this
You're reading When and why did hyphenated words such as "to-day", "good-bye", "to-morrow" and such lose their hyphens?
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