Good morning! Today’s Q&A couplet is from the Chicago Manual of Style. I chose the first item because I had no idea about the niceties in funeral planning. I chose the second item because, well, it mentions hyphens and worms!
Q. Are pallbearer names and honorary pallbearer names supposed to be alphabetized by last name in a funeral service program?
A. There is no rule, but if the names are alphabetized, readers may assume that the people are equally important. If the names are out of order, readers may assume they are listed in order of honor or importance.
Q. Dear Chicago experts, can you please help resolve this hyphenation issue? Should it be “worm composting expert” or “worm-composting expert”? Should it be “worm composting master” or “worm-composting master”? Thank you very much.
A. Use a hyphen; it makes it clear that the expert or master is not a worm.
Kara Church
Technical Editor, Advisory
619-542-6773 | Ext: 766773
Symitar Documentation Services
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