When it comes to writing in professional settings, precision and clarity are key. One common source of confusion is the use of hyphens in compound adjectives, especially with terms like “company-wide” and “companywide.” You’ve probably seen both variations used, but do you know which one is correct in different contexts? And more importantly, why does it matter?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the hyphenation rules surrounding these two forms, dive into how they’re used in different professional environments, and provide tips on when to use each version. Whether you’re drafting reports, writing business emails, or refining content for your website, understanding when to use “company-wide” vs. “companywide” will elevate your writing and ensure that your message is clear, concise, and professional.
Hyphenation in American English: Why It’s Important
The use of hyphens in compound adjectives plays a crucial role in ensuring clarity. A compound adjective consists of two or more words that work together to modify a noun, and a hyphen helps to show that the words are connected, rather than separate. Without hyphens, the meaning of a sentence can become unclear or even misleading.
For example, take the term “company-wide”. Without the hyphen, it might seem like you’re describing something that belongs to a company called “wide,” which is obviously not the case. The hyphen ties the two words together to create a single, cohesive idea: something that pertains to the entire company.
So, when should you use hyphens in general? Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Before a noun: If the compound adjective precedes a noun, use a hyphen to connect the words.
- Example: “The company-wide initiative was a success.”
- After a linking verb: If the compound adjective comes after a linking verb (like “is”), you usually don’t need the hyphen.
- Example: “The initiative was companywide.”
Understanding when to use hyphens and when to skip them is essential for clear, professional communication.
The Dual Forms of ‘Company-wide’ and ‘Companywide’
Now, let’s dive deeper into the two forms you’ve likely encountered: company-wide (hyphenated) and companywide (non-hyphenated). Both forms are technically correct in American English, but their usage depends on several factors, including style guides, industry preferences, and the specific sentence structure.
Company-wide: The Hyphenated Form
The hyphenated version, company-wide, is traditionally used in compound adjectives before nouns. This form emphasizes the connection between the words and makes it clear that the adjective refers to something that spans the entire company.
For example:
- “The company-wide training program will begin next month.”
- “The company-wide survey revealed interesting insights.”
In both examples, the hyphen helps clarify that the training program and survey apply to the entire company.
Companywide: The Non-Hyphenated Form
On the other hand, companywide (non-hyphenated) is increasingly accepted and used, especially in more modern contexts. This version is often seen in business reports, websites, and formal communications where clarity and conciseness are paramount. It’s used in much the same way as the hyphenated form, but it reflects a more streamlined approach.
For example:
- “The companywide implementation of the new system will take several months.”
- “Companywide efforts to improve employee satisfaction have been successful.”
In these cases, companywide flows better in the sentence and avoids unnecessary punctuation, which can be useful in more formal or fast-paced communication environments.
Read More: What Are Staccato Sentences? How to Use Them for Powerful Writing
How to Decide Which Form to Use
So, how do you decide which form to use? It comes down to a few key factors:
- Style Guide: Always refer to your organization’s preferred style guide or a widely accepted one like AP Style or Chicago Manual of Style.
- Consistency: Whether you choose “company-wide” or “companywide,” consistency is essential. Stick to one form throughout your document or communication.
- Context: If you’re writing a formal business report, the hyphenated form may look more polished. In less formal or web-based communication, the non-hyphenated form could be more suitable.
Both versions are widely accepted, but understanding your audience and the specific tone of your content is key.
When to Use ‘Company-wide’ vs. ‘Companywide’: Practical Application
Understanding when and how to use company-wide vs. companywide is essential for effective writing. Here’s a breakdown of when each form is most appropriate:
Before Nouns: Use Hyphenated Form
When you’re using the term as a compound adjective directly before a noun, the hyphenated form is usually preferred. This is the most formal usage, ensuring your writing is clear and easy to understand.
Examples:
- “We are rolling out a company-wide initiative to improve employee wellness.”
- “The company-wide restructuring plan will affect all departments.”
After a Linking Verb: Use Non-Hyphenated Form
When the compound adjective comes after a linking verb (such as “is” or “was”), the hyphen is typically dropped. This is a more natural way of using compound adjectives, and it ensures smooth sentence flow.
Examples:
- “The initiative is companywide.”
- “Employee engagement is companywide.”
In Titles and Headlines: Consider Consistency
In titles or headlines, both forms can work, but consistency is critical. Choose one version and stick to it throughout the piece. Keep in mind that headlines are typically more succinct, and sometimes dropping the hyphen makes the title appear cleaner.
Example:
- “Companywide Efforts to Enhance Employee Satisfaction.”
- “Company-wide Efforts to Enhance Employee Satisfaction.”
The Hyphen’s Role in Compound Adjectives
Hyphens are essential in compound adjectives because they help combine two or more words into one unit that describes something else. Without hyphens, readers might misinterpret the meaning of your sentence or become confused.
Take this example:
- “We are launching a high-performance software tool.”
- “We are launching a high performance software tool.”
In the first sentence, the high-performance modifier clearly describes the type of software tool. Without the hyphen, the second sentence could imply that the software tool is high, but it performs in a separate way, which is not the intended meaning.
This same principle applies to “company-wide” or “companywide.” The hyphen is needed to link the words company and wide, making it clear that the initiative, system, or effort applies to the whole company, not just a part of it.
AP Style and Hyphenation: A Guideline
The Associated Press (AP) Stylebook is one of the most widely followed style guides in journalism and business writing. According to AP Style:
- Hyphenate compound adjectives before a noun: This means you should use company-wide if the term is placed before a noun.
- Example: “The company-wide training was well received.”
- Do not hyphenate when the compound adjective follows a verb: As in the non-hyphenated form companywide.
- Example: “The training was companywide and well attended.”
While AP Style generally prefers a streamlined approach (using fewer hyphens), it still stresses the importance of clarity.
Consistency and Precision
In professional writing, especially when adhering to AP style, consistency is critical. So, once you pick a form—whether company-wide or companywide—make sure you use it consistently throughout your document. Switching between the two can confuse your readers and make your writing look unpolished.
Common Mistakes to Avoid: ‘Company wide’ vs. ‘Companywide’
A frequent mistake many people make is writing “company wide” as two separate words. This is incorrect and should be avoided. “Company wide” without the hyphen does not function as a compound adjective and can make your writing look sloppy and unprofessional.
Why ‘Company wide’ is Incorrect
- Ambiguity: Writing “company wide” without the hyphen could suggest that you’re describing a company called “wide,” which makes no sense in context.
- Lack of Clarity: Hyphenating the words is crucial to clearly communicate that something is affecting the entire company.
To avoid this error, always check if you’re using company-wide or companywide correctly.
Conclusion: Best Practices for Using Hyphenated vs. Non-Hyphenated Forms
To wrap it up, both company-wide and companywide are acceptable, but their use depends on the context and the style guide you’re following.
Key Takeaways:
- Use “company-wide” before nouns as a compound adjective.
- Use “companywide” after linking verbs for smoother sentence flow.
- Avoid “company wide” as two separate words; it’s incorrect in formal writing.
- Be consistent: Choose one form and stick with it throughout your content.
- Refer to style guides like AP or Chicago to maintain professionalism.
By following these simple rules, you can ensure that your writing is both clear and professional, helping you communicate your ideas effectively to any audience.
Get Involved
What’s your take on the hyphen debate? Do you prefer company-wide or companywide? Let us know in the comments below! If you’ve found this guide helpful, don’t forget to share it with your colleagues or anyone who might need a refresher on hyphen usage.
