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Anonymous Posted 14 years ago
Grammar
To hyphenate or not to hyphenate
Would the term "lock picker" be hyphenated, closed, or left as is? The term is being used as part of this phrase:
electronic lock picker
Many thanks.
electronic lock picker
Many thanks.
Top answer
I don't think there is a definitive answer, but is it electronic itself (electronic lock-picker) or does it pick electronic locks (electronic-lock picker)?
- I don't think there is a definitive answer, but is it electronic itself (electronic lock-picker) or does it pick electronic locks (electronic-lock picker)?
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4 Answers
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I don't think there is a definitive answer, but is it electronic itself (electronic lock-picker) or does it pick electronic locks (electronic-lock picker)?
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Excellent point made, Mister Micawber.
I think the intended meaning is that the lock picker is a device and that it is electronic. I'm inclined to hyphenate, but then when I ponder other "pickers" such as a fruit picker, for example, I second guess myself. Decisions, decisions.
I think the intended meaning is that the lock picker is a device and that it is electronic. I'm inclined to hyphenate, but then when I ponder other "pickers" such as a fruit picker, for example, I second guess myself. Decisions, decisions.
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In that case, I'd simply call it an electronic lockpick - there's no need to invent a new word like lockpicker.
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