[Grammar] hyphenated compound word (In-Port)

[RichardG16]

Dear usingenglish forums,

I am currently writing an academic technical paper, and I have need to use the compound word in-port.

This is in the context of a "ship movements in-port list" meaning here a list of vessels currently alongside or moored in a port.

To help me use appropriate grammar throughout the paper:

(1) Should this compound word be hyphenated?
(2) is this a preposition/noun combination?
(3) I am even struggling with understanding if in-port is a noun or adjective or other (e.g. "A ships in-port list", " "The ship is in-port")



Thank you for any help.

Richard

(PS - I am in the UK, writing for a UK audience)

 

[MikeNewYork]

If I used "in + port" as an attributive adjective, I would hyphenate it. If I used it as a predicate adjective, I would not.

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

Dear usingenglish forums,

I am currently writing an academic technical paper, and I need to use the compound word in-port.

This is in the context of a "ship movements in-port list" meaning here a list of vessels currently alongside or moored in a port.

To help me use appropriate grammar throughout the paper:

(1) Should this compound word be hyphenated? [To use it as an adjective, yes.]
(2) is this a preposition/noun combination? [Sure.]
(3) I am even struggling with understanding if in-port is a noun or adjective or other (e.g. "A ships in-port list," " "The ship is in-port")

As an adjective: A ships-in-port list. Use two hyphens. Your construction is confusing. It looks like you're trying to say A ship's in-port list, which isn't what you mean.

As a noun: The ship is in port.



Thank you for any help.

Richard

(PS - I am in the UK, writing for a UK audience)

You're welcome.

 

[RichardG16]

Thank you Charlie and Mike for your feedback.

Charlie - "A ships-in-port list" does sound correct, but is this an adjective? this is why I am slightly hesitant - Is it even possible to have a "list of" adjectives? should a list always be a collection/list of nouns? ( "a list of cars", "a list of countries"). Can you have a collection of adjectives?

Thank you

PS - It is quite possible I am over thinking this.

 

[bhaisahab]

It's a compound adjective describing the list.