Is "courseload" a word?

[bosco]

This is probably a silly question, but I want to include this word in my Personal Statement. I am not sure if it should be written "course load" or "courseload." Does anyone know? Thanks!

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[spumoni620]

In microsoft word, "course load" is correct.

 

[Febrifuge]

I respectfully caution the wisdom of letting MS Word's spelling and grammar checker have the final word... 🙂 ...however I agree.

Compound words should be used when they make sense where their component words would not ("handbag," "archway," "steamroller"). While "courseload" might be acceptable or not, depending on style factors, "course load" is clear as it is, and definitely correct.

 

[bosco]

Originally posted by Febrifuge
I respectfully caution the wisdom of letting MS Word's spelling and grammar checker have the final word... 🙂 ...however I agree.

Compound words should be used when they make sense where their component words would not ("handbag," "archway," "steamroller"). While "courseload" might be acceptable or not, depending on style factors, "course load" is clear as it is, and definitely correct.

Good advice. Thanks for your help!!!

 

[Moskeeto]

yeah, i like www.m-w.com and it says that courseload isn't a word. I usually double check w/ m-w if i'm not sure about word's spellcheck.

 

[VienneseWaltz]

*warning: editor nerd alert*

I like www.dictionary.com, too, b/c it gives definitions from several sources. 😛