As an experienced APA editor and academic mentor, I've seen countless writers stumble over compound words. Today, let's demystify this often-confusing aspect of APA 7 style. 

The Golden Rule: Dictionary as Your Guide

In APA 7, the dictionary is your North Star for compound words. When a compound appears in the Merriam-Webster dictionary, it's considered established, and you should generally follow the hyphenation (or lack thereof) as shown.

Examples:

- "Healthcare" (one word)

- "Self-esteem" (hyphenated)

- "Caregiver" (one word)

The Consistency Principle

Once you've determined the correct form, use it consistently throughout your writing. For instance, "healthcare" remains unhyphenated even in phrases like "healthcare setting."

When to Break the Rule

While dictionary guidance is important, APA 7 allows for adjusting hyphenation to prevent misreading. Trust your judgment here, but use this exception sparingly.

Practical Tips:

1. Keep a Merriam-Webster’s dictionary at hand (physical or digital).

2. Create a style sheet for your document, listing compound words as you encounter them.

3. Use your word processor's search function to ensure consistency.

4. When in doubt, consult the APA Manual or a professional editor.

Mastering compound words takes practice. Be patient with yourself as you navigate this nuance of academic writing. Your dedication to precision will improve the quality and clarity of your work.

Have you encountered tricky compound words in your writing? Share your experiences or questions in the comments below. Let's learn from each other and grow as academic writers!