Hardworking Vs. Hard-Working: Spelling Differences
When it comes to spelling the adjective that describes someone who works diligently and consistently, there seems to be some confusion between American English and British English. The primary discrepancy lies in the use of the hyphen, with American English favoring the term “hardworking” as one word, and British English preferring the hyphenated form, “hard-working.” These distinctions may appear trivial, but they contribute to the overall divergences in spelling conventions between the two language variants.
In American English, “hardworking” is the preferred spelling, emphasizing the fusion of the words “hard” and “working” into a single cohesive adjective. Conversely, British English adheres to the hyphenated form, “hard-working,” which delineates the relationship between the two constituent words more explicitly.
Both versions are grammatically correct; however, the choice of spelling depends on regional preferences and linguistic conventions.
Popularity Of “Hardworking” In American English
While both spellings are accepted in American English, “hardworking” has become more popular in recent years. This preference for the one-word form aligns with the general trend of amalgamating compound words into single units.
By eliminating the hyphen, “hardworking” presents a more streamlined appearance, mirroring the fast-paced nature of American society. This spelling has gained substantial traction in contemporary American English literature, journalism, and everyday language usage.
Popularity Of “Hard-Working” In British English
In contrast, British English tends to retain the hyphenated form, “hard-working,” as the more prevalent spelling choice. This adherence to tradition and the inclusion of the hyphen reflects the British commitment to preserving the historical and phonetic integrity of the language.
While there is a growing acceptance of the one-word variant, particularly influenced by the influence of American culture, the hyphenated form remains the official and widely adopted spelling in British English.
Official Recognition: “Hardworking” In American English
Within the realm of American English, “hardworking” has gained official recognition as a valid variant. Dictionaries and style guides such as Merriam-Webster and the Chicago Manual of Style acknowledge and promote the use of “hardworking” as a single word.
This recognition further solidifies the spelling’s legitimacy and contributes to its rising popularity in American English.
Recommended Usage: Hyphenation In British English
On the other hand, the hyphenated form, “hard-working,” is still recommended in British English. This recommendation emphasizes the importance of adhering to traditional spelling conventions.
While the one-word variant is certainly acceptable in British English, the hyphen adds clarity and ensures the proper interpretation of the compound adjective, especially when used in more formal contexts.
“Hard Working” With A Hyphen: Typical Form
The most common form of spelling in both American and British English is “hard-working,” with the inclusion of a hyphen. This hyphenation serves to emphasize the unity and interdependence of the words “hard” and “working” while indicating their joint role in describing a person’s industriousness.
This conventional approach has been widely adopted in various publications, making it a recognizable and familiar spelling choice for many.
Trend: Dropping The Hyphen In American English
In recent years, there has been a noticeable trend in American English towards dropping the hyphen in compound adjectives such as “hardworking.” This stylistic choice aims to simplify and streamline language usage, aligning with the broader movements of linguistic evolution. However, it is essential to note that the hyphenated form is still widely used and recognized, particularly in more formal or traditional contexts.
Capitalization: “Working” In “Hard-Working”
As for capitalization rules, the word “working” in “hard-working” should not be capitalized unless it is part of a title or headline where all words are capitalized. Therefore, in regular usage, “hard-working” should be written with a lowercase “w.” This rule applies to both British and American English, ensuring consistency and conformity in proper grammar and writing conventions.
In conclusion, the spelling variations between “hardworking” and “hard-working” reflect the differences in linguistic conventions between American English and British English. While both forms are acceptable, “hardworking” has gained traction in American English, while the hyphenated version, “hard-working,” remains prevalent in British English.
Ultimately, the choice of spelling depends on regional preferences, publication styles, and adherence to traditional or contemporary language norms.
