Introduction
Have you ever been unsure whether to use “pre-existing” or “preexisting” in your writing? You’re not alone. Many writers, editors, and professionals struggle with compound words and hyphenation rules.
Understanding when to use a hyphen and how major style guides approach this topic can make a significant difference in the clarity and consistency of your writing. This guide will break down the difference between these two forms, explain when to use each, and help improve your readability and formal writing skills.
The Meaning of Pre-existing and Preexisting
Before diving into style guides and best practices, let’s define both forms:
- Pre-existing: The hyphenated form, used to indicate something that existed earlier or prior to a specific event or condition.
- Preexisting: The closed form, meaning the same thing but without the hyphen.
Both words describe something that was in place before another event. For example:
- “The pre-existing conditions were documented in the medical report.”
- “Her preexisting knowledge of French helped her adapt quickly.”
While both are grammatically correct, the choice between them depends on style guides, readability, and clarity in context.
Read More About This Article: Than vs. Then: Avoiding Common Mistakes in English
Hyphenation in English: When and Why It Matters
English is full of compound words, some of which remain hyphenated, while others evolve into closed compounds over time. Understanding hyphenation rules can improve your writing and readability.
Types of Compound Words
| Type | Example | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Open Compounds | ice cream, high school | Words remain separate but function as a unit. |
| Hyphenated Compounds | well-being, pre-existing | Used to avoid ambiguity and improve clarity. |
| Closed Compounds | healthcare, preexisting | Common in modern usage as words evolve. |
Most closed compounds start as hyphenated words and gradually lose the hyphen over time. For instance, “email” was once written as “e-mail.”
Style Guide Recommendations
To determine whether “pre-existing” or “preexisting” is the preferred form, let’s examine major style guides:
Major Style Guides on Pre-existing vs. Preexisting
| Style Guide | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS) | Prefers “preexisting” as part of the trend toward closed compounds. |
| Associated Press (AP) Style | Uses “pre-existing” for clarity, especially in journalism. |
| Modern Language Association (MLA) | Accepts both but leans toward hyphenation for readability. |
| Oxford English Dictionary (OED) | Recognizes both but notes “preexisting” as more common in modern English. |
| Merriam-Webster Dictionary | Lists “preexisting” as the primary spelling. |
What This Means for Writers
- If you’re following AP style, use pre-existing.
- If you’re writing formally and following CMOS, use preexisting.
- In academia (MLA), both forms are acceptable, but clarity is key.
- Dictionaries generally recognize preexisting as the standard.
Real-World Usage & Trends
To see how these forms are used in practice, let’s analyze some real-world examples.
Google Ngram Analysis
A Google Ngram search shows that “pre-existing” was historically more common, but “preexisting” has gained popularity in recent years.
Examples from Professional Writing
- Medical Writing: “Patients with pre-existing conditions are at higher risk.”
- Legal Documents: “Any preexisting agreement must be honored by both parties.”
- News Articles: “The government addressed pre-existing infrastructure issues.”
This indicates that pre-existing is still widely used, especially in formal contexts, but preexisting is becoming the dominant form in many industries.
Clarity, Consistency, and Readability in Writing
Why Consistency Matters
Choosing one form and using it consistently improves readability. Readers expect uniformity, and switching between pre-existing and preexisting can be distracting.
When to Use Each Form
- Use pre-existing when following AP style or when clarity is essential.
- Use preexisting in scientific, legal, and business writing for a cleaner, modern look.
Best Practices for Writers
✅ Check the style guide you’re following.
✅ Prioritize clarity over personal preference.
✅ Use language tools like Grammarly or spell checkers to maintain consistency.
✅ Consider your audience—formal writing may require one form over the other.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Use?
Summary of Key Points
- Both “pre-existing” and “preexisting” are correct.
- Style guides influence the choice:
- AP style prefers “pre-existing.”
- CMOS and dictionaries favor “preexisting.”
- Readability and clarity matter more than rigid rules.
- Trends show “preexisting” gaining wider acceptance.
Quick Reference Guide
| Context | Preferred Form |
|---|---|
| Journalism & AP Style | pre-existing |
| Chicago Style & Formal Writing | preexisting |
| Medical & Legal Documents | pre-existing |
| General Usage & Dictionaries | preexisting |
The Best Approach
If you’re uncertain, use pre-existing in formal writing for now, but expect “preexisting” to become the dominant form over time.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between “pre-existing” and “preexisting” helps ensure clarity, consistency, and readability in your writing. While style guides vary, knowing their preferences will help you make the right choice.
Which form do you use in your writing? Let us know in the comments!