In AmE, we tend to close up prefixes like co-, re-, pre-, post-, etc. unless the first letter of the main word is the same vowel as the last letter of the prefix. But I see some exceptions like preemtive that defy the rule (I should convince myself that the vowel e is an exception). While I understand why we use a hyphen for re-sign to differentiate it from resign, I don’t understand the logic behind co-pay. Is there any material of authority that helps a non-native speaker like me to understand which are the words that should be closed up (say, whether co-utilize should be closed up)?
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1 Answer
The decision to hyphenate or not hyphenate is purely stylistic, thus the authority on the matter would be whatever style guide your publisher/editor/teacher uses.
There are numerous style guides, none of which is more correct than any other.
One commonly used style, called APA Style offers these guidelines:
General Principle 1
If a compound adjective can be misread, use a hyphen.
General Principle 2
In a temporary compound that is used as an adjective before a noun, use a hyphen if the term can be misread or if the term expresses a single thought (i.e., all words together modify the noun)...
Also use hyphens for
Compounds in which the base word is
- capitalized: pro-Freudian
- a number: post-1970
- an abbreviation: pre-UCS trial
- more than one word: non-achievement-oriented students
All "self-" compounds whether they are adjectives or nouns
- self-report
- self-esteem
