High School Spelling: Should You Write It as One Word or Two?

Recently, many people are confused about whether "high school" should be written as one word or two. English is always changing, and grammar rules evolve over time. So, it's natural to question what's correct today.

Traditionally, "high school" was written as two words. This followed standard grammar rules for compound nouns, where two separate words are used. However, in recent years, there has been a trend toward combining words like "high school" into one word—making it "highschool." This change is mostly seen in informal writing, influenced by the fast pace of modern communication, especially with social media and texting.

Still, not everyone agrees with this new approach. Some people prefer to stick with the traditional rule and write "high school" as two words, believing it is more accurate and consistent.

Ultimately, there is no definitive answer. The choice between writing "high school" as one word or two depends on context, the writing style you're following, and personal preference. In formal writing, like academic papers, it's best to use "high school" as two words. However, in casual writing or texting, "highschool" might be acceptable.

Different style guides, like the AP Stylebook or Chicago Manual of Style, may have specific rules on this topic, so it's important to check those if you're unsure.

In conclusion, both "highschool" and "high school" can be correct, depending on the context. Language is flexible, and staying aware of its evolving rules helps you make the right choice for your writing.

FAQs 

1. Is "high school" supposed to be one word or two?

   - Traditionally, "high school" is two words, but some informal contexts use "highschool" as one word.

2. Why do people write "highschool" as one word?

   - The trend toward writing "highschool" as one word is influenced by modern, fast-paced communication, like on social media and in texting.

3. Is it correct to write "highschool" as one word?

   - It can be acceptable in informal settings, but formal writing still typically uses "high school" as two words.

4. What do traditional grammar rules say about "high school"?

   - Traditional rules state that "high school" should be two words, as it is a compound noun.

5. When should I write "high school" as two words?

   - You should write it as two words in formal or professional writing, like academic papers or business communications.

6. Do style guides have rules on whether "high school" should be one or two words?

   - Yes, different style guides, such as the AP Stylebook and Chicago Manual of Style, provide specific rules about this.

7. Does the word "highschool" appear in dictionaries?

   - Most dictionaries recognize "high school" as two words, though some may note informal usage of "highschool" as one word.

8. Is "high school" ever hyphenated?

   - It is typically not hyphenated, but it can be when used as a compound adjective (e.g., "high-school basketball player").

9. Do I need to capitalize "high school"?

   - "High school" is not capitalized unless it’s part of a proper noun, like in the name of a specific school (e.g., "Central High School").

10. Has the spelling of "high school" changed over time?

   - The traditional spelling hasn’t changed, but the informal trend toward using "highschool" as one word has become more common in recent years.