Have you ever wondered if the word smartphone is one word or two? Does it even matter? The answer is yes! It does matter, and understanding the difference can help you make sure youre using the right term in the right context.
In this article, well uncover the answer and explore how the term smartphone has been used historically, what dictionary definitions say, and how professional publications use the term.
Well look at the arguments for smartphone as one word and two words, usage of smartphone in the media, and provide best practices for writing smartphone.
So lets get started!.
Table of Contents
Short Answer
Smartphone is one word.
It is a compound word that combines the words smart and phone to refer to a mobile phone with advanced features such as internet access and multimedia capabilities.
Smartphone is usually written as one word, although in some cases it may be written as two words (smart phone).
Historical Usage of Smartphone
The debate over whether smartphone is one word or two has been ongoing for some time.
While some people argue that it should be written as two separate words (smart phone), others believe that it should be written as one word (smartphone).
To uncover the answer, its helpful to look at the historical usage of the term.
The term smartphone first appeared in the late 1990s, when Ericsson released the GS88, a mobile phone with a touchscreen and internet access.
Since then, the term has been used to refer to any mobile device with advanced features and capabilities, such as the ability to access the internet, run apps, and more.
Over time, the usage of the term has evolved, with some people using it as one word (smartphone) and others as two words (smart phone).
This is partly due to the fact that the term is often used in both contexts, such as in product names, marketing copy, and user manuals.
For example, Apples iPhone is often referred to as a smartphone, while Samsungs Galaxy S20 is referred to as a smart phone.
In terms of usage in the English language, the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) defines smartphone as a mobile phone with advanced features and capabilities, with both one-word and two-word versions being accepted.
This indicates that both versions are widely accepted in English, and it is ultimately up to the author to decide which version to use.
Dictionary Definitions of Smartphone
When it comes to the debate of whether smartphone is one word or two, the best place to start is with understanding the dictionary definitions of the word.
According to Merriam-Webster, a smartphone is defined as a cell phone that includes additional software functions (such as e-mail or an internet browser).
This definition implies that the word should be written as one word, as it is composed of two separate words combined into one.
The Oxford English Dictionary defines a smartphone as a mobile phone that combines the functions of a telephone with those of a computer, typically having a touchscreen interface, internet access, and an operating system capable of running downloaded applications.
This definition also implies that the word should be written as one word.
The Cambridge English Dictionary defines a smartphone as a mobile phone that has a lot of features, such as the ability to access the internet, take and send photos, and use GPS to show where you are.
This definition also implies that the word should be written as one word.
Overall, the dictionary definitions of smartphone imply that the word should be written as one word.
While some people may argue that it should be written as two separate words, it appears that the consensus is that it should be written as one word.
Arguments For Smartphone as One Word
When it comes to the debate of whether smartphone is one word or two, there are numerous arguments in favor of writing it as one word.
Writing smartphone as one word is more concise and straightforward, making it easier to read and understand.
It is also more efficient to write and type out, as it requires fewer keystrokes to type out the word.
Furthermore, writing smartphone as one word is also more reflective of the way the term is used in modern language.
For instance, smartphone is generally used as one word in casual speech, and it is rarely broken up into two words when used in everyday conversations.
This reflects the widespread acceptance of the term as one word, and it is the version of the word that is most frequently used in modern writing.
The version of smartphone that is written as one word is also widely recognized by major dictionaries.
For example, Merriam-Webster, Oxford, and Cambridge all recognize smartphone as a single word.
This indicates that the word has been accepted as one word by the English language and is considered to be the standard version of the word.
Overall, writing smartphone as one word is the most widely accepted and widely used version of the word, and it is the version that is recognized by major dictionaries.
It is also more efficient to type out and is more reflective of how the term is used in everyday language.
As such, smartphone is generally written as one word when used in modern writing.
Arguments For Smartphone as Two Words
One of the main arguments for writing smartphone as two words is that it is a combination of two distinct concepts.
The word smart refers to the use of advanced technology to perform tasks, while the word phone refers to a device used to make and receive calls.
The combination of these two words emphasizes the fact that the device is more than just a phone it has a wide range of capabilities due to its advanced technology.
This argument is often used by those who prefer to write smartphone as two words, as it underscores the unique nature of these devices.
Some people also argue that the two-word version of smartphone is more aesthetically pleasing.
While the single-word version may be easier to read, the two-word version looks more stylish and sophisticated on the page.
Additionally, some people believe that the two-word version better reflects the complexity of the device, as it emphasizes the distinct parts of the name.
Finally, some people argue that writing smartphone as two words is more accurate from a grammatical standpoint.
The two words are not joined together by a hyphen, which suggests that the device is more than just a combination of two separate words.
By writing the term as two words, it is easier to convey this concept to the reader.
Professional Publications and Usage
When it comes to professional publications and usage, the most accepted way to write smartphone is as one word.
This is the format used by many major publications, including the Associated Press, The New York Times, and the Oxford English Dictionary.
In addition, many major tech companies, such as Apple, Google, and Samsung, use smartphone as one word in their official documentation.
The main reason for this is that smartphone is now a recognized term in the English language, and is defined as a cell phone that includes advanced computing capability and connectivity.
It is also commonly used in everyday conversations and in the media.
For this reason, it is appropriate to use the single word smartphone in most cases.
However, there are some circumstances in which using two words (smart phone) may be appropriate.
For example, if the context of the sentence or document requires the use of two separate words, then it is acceptable to do so.
Additionally, if the author is writing for a less formal audience, such as a blog or social media post, then using two words may be more appropriate.
Ultimately, the author should use whichever version they feel is best suited for their particular context.
Usage of Smartphone in the Media
Smartphone usage has become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more people relying on their devices for communication, entertainment, and information.
As a result, the debate over whether smartphone should be written as one word or two has been gaining traction in the media.
Newspapers, magazines, television shows, movies, and online publications have all weighed in on the issue, with some opting for the one-word version and others preferring the two-word version.
The one-word version of smartphone is often used in more formal contexts, such as in news articles, while the two-word version is often used in more informal contexts, such as in social media posts.
For example, when a news outlet reports on a new smartphone model, they are more likely to use the one-word version, whereas when an individual is tweeting about the same model, they are more likely to use the two-word version.
Some media outlets have even taken a stance on the issue, with some publications and websites, such as The New York Times and The Guardian, opting to use the one-word version of smartphone, and others, such as The Wall Street Journal and The Atlantic, opting for the two-word version.
These publications suggest that there is no hard and fast rule when it comes to writing the term, and that its ultimately up to the individual author to decide which version they prefer.
However, smartphone usage is evolving quickly, and it remains to be seen which version will become the accepted norm in the future.
For now, it seems that both versions are widely accepted, and it is up to the author to decide which version they prefer.
Best Practices for Writing Smartphone
When it comes to writing the word smartphone, the debate of whether it should be written as one word or two continues to rage on.
While some people argue that it should be written as two separate words (smart phone), others believe that it should be written as one word (smartphone).
Ultimately, it is up to the author to decide how to write it, as both versions are widely accepted.
When it comes to best practices for writing smartphone, there are a few things to consider.
First and foremost, the author should be consistent with their choice of spelling.
If the author opts to write smartphone as one word, they should continue to do so throughout the document.
Similarly, if they decide to write two words, they should stick with that decision.
Its also important to be mindful of the context of the document.
If a document is focused on technology and gadgets, the one-word version of smartphone might be the more appropriate choice.
On the other hand, if the document is more formal or academic in nature, the two-word version may be the better option.
Its also important to be aware of the conventions of the language being used.
In English, for example, the one-word version of smartphone is preferred.
However, in Spanish, the two-word version (telfono inteligente) is more common.
Finally, its important to remember that both versions of the word are widely accepted, so the author should feel free to choose whichever version they feel is most appropriate for the context of their document.
Final Thoughts
The debate of whether smartphone is one word or two has been ongoing for some time.
After looking at the historical usage of smartphone, dictionary definitions, and professional publications, it is clear that both versions are widely accepted and it is up to the author to decide how to write it.
Ultimately, the best practice is to be consistent in your usage and to be mindful of your audience and the context in which you are writing.
With these considerations in mind, you can confidently use the word smartphone in your writing.