3.21 · Learn + reference
Orthography II: НЕ, Compounds, Spacing, and Capitals
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3.21 · Learn + reference
Orthography II: НЕ, Compounds, Spacing, and Capitals
Meaning-sensitive editorial choices from negation to multi-base adjectives
Meaning-sensitive editorial choices from negation to multi-base adjectives
Before you start
- Prerequisites
- Module 3.20
- Estimated time
- 45 minutes
- Lesson steps
- 10
Deliberately not taught here
- Boundary: Orthographic choice can encode intended meaning. When two spellings are possible in different readings, the writer—not a spellchecker—must decide which assertion the sentence makes.
Small steps
What you will learn
- НЕ begins with meaning Solid не- often asserts a negative quality; separate не negates or contrasts the positive adjective.
- When solid spelling is the default Write не- solid when the modern word is not used without it or when a new quality is asserted and can often be paraphrased by a positive synonym.
- Separate spelling: contrast and reinforced negation Write не separately when the positive quality is explicitly opposed or negation is strengthened.
- Degree words and authorial focus Совсем, вовсе, абсолютно, and совершенно can reinforce either assertion or negation depending on stress and intended meaning.
- Short forms, comparatives, and lexical conventions Some predicate forms conventionally take separate не even when a tempting synonym exists; simple comparatives also use separate не.
- Solid compounds and subordinate relations Many multi-base adjectives are written solid when the bases form a hierarchical relation or a lexicalised single concept.
- Hyphens: equal bases, source hyphens, shades, and directions A hyphen commonly links coordinate bases, preserves a hyphenated source, or marks conventional shade/direction formations.
- Free adverb + adjective versus fused term An ordinary adverb independently modifying an adjective or participle is written separately; a lexicalised compound term may be solid.
- Capitalisation in adjective derivatives Capital letters depend on individual possession and official naming, not on prestige or the mere presence of a proper-name source.
- НЕ and compound-spelling assessment State the intended meaning and formation before editing spaces, hyphens, or capitals.
Mastery
Ready means you can...
- choose solid or separate не by assertion, negation, contrast, form, and lexical convention
- distinguish solid compounds, hyphenated coordinate formations, and free adverb-adjective phrases
- spell colour, taste, direction, and proper-name derivatives accurately
- use an editorial workflow when rules permit variation or contain exceptions