Use a Hyphen to Eliminate Ambiguity
There are no specific rules on forming compound nouns. For example, 'Ink-well' can be also be written
'ink well' or 'inkwell' - all are correct spellings. However, you should use a hyphen to eliminate
ambiguity. Ambiguity is particularly prevalent when the first word of the pairing is a substance (like
'water' or 'ink').
Examples:
 water-bottle / water bottle
(When the first word is a substance, a hyphen is used to show that the item is
not made of that substance.)
ice-axe / ice axe
(Both are acceptable, but 'ice-axe' makes it clear that the axe is not made of ice.)
paper-clip / paper clip / paperclip
(All 3 are acceptable. However, if the clip were made of paper, then only
'paper clip' could be used.)
Please could you pass me that plastic wire-fastener?
(a fastener made of plastic, i.e., not wire)
There is also some ambiguity when the first word of the pairing ends 'ing'. (This is called a
present participle.)
Examples:
changing-room / changing room
(Both are acceptable, but 'changing-room' makes it clear that the room is not
changing.)
laughing-gas / laughing gas
(Both are acceptable, but 'laughing-gas' makes it clear that the gas is not
laughing.)
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COMPOUND NOUN?
A single noun that comprises two or more words is called a 'compound noun'. Sometimes the words in a compound noun are joined together by a hyphen or hyphens. (e.g.,
water-bottle) (See lesson Types
of Nouns.)
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NOT ALL HAVE A ONE-WORD VERSION
Be aware that not all compound nouns have a one-word version. Even though 'inkwell' and
'paperclip' are fine, 'iceaxe' and 'waterbottle' are spelling mistakes. There are no rules governing
this - you have to know.
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