Pre-Existing or Preexisting: Which One is Correct?

Choosing between pre-existing and preexisting is one of those tricky dilemmas every writer encounters sooner or later. They look almost identical, sound the same, and seem to share the same meaning. But there’s always the question: should you use the hyphenated form or the closed compound?

The answer? Both are technically correct. However, their choice depends on various factors such as style guides, audience, context, and the evolution of compound word usage over time. This article will clarify the distinction between these forms, helping you decide when to use each in your writing.

Why is there Confusion?

Confusion arises from the evolving nature of the English language, especially with compound words. In many cases, words that start out as two separate entities (like “pre existing”) eventually become hyphenated words (such as “pre-existing”) and, over time, can transform into closed compounds (like “preexisting”). This shift occurs as language becomes more efficient and streamlined.

Adding to the complexity, different style guides, such as the Chicago Manual of Style and the AP Stylebook, offer varying recommendations on when to use hyphens. Some prefer a clean, modern look without the hyphen, while others advocate for it to ensure clarity.

What do ‘Pre-Existing’ or ‘Preexisting’ Mean?

“pre-existing” and “preexisting” refer to something that existed before a particular time. Whether it’s a pre-existing condition in health insurance or a preexisting agreement in a legal document, both terms imply the same concept: something was already in place before a given event or situation.

The difference lies in the visual presentation—hyphenated vs. closed compound—and the style you choose to follow. Despite their identical meanings, some contexts favor one form for readability and clarity.

Example Scenarios:

• In health insurance: “This policy does not cover pre-existing conditions.”
• In software: “The new update is compatible with all preexisting systems.”
• In real estate: “The land purchase included a pre-existing structure that we renovated.”
• In academia: “We analyzed preexisting research on climate change.”

“Pre-Existing” or “Preexisting”: Which One Should Be Used?

So, how do you decide? The short answer is to follow your style guide. If you’re writing according to the Chicago Manual of Style, you’ll likely choose preexisting (no hyphen), as this guide favors closed compounds. On the other hand, if you’re working with the AP Stylebook, the hyphenated pre-existing is the preferred option.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Style Guide	Preferred Usage	Example
Chicago Manual of Style	Preexisting	“The software integrates with all preexisting systems.”
AP Stylebook	Pre-existing	“The policy does not cover pre-existing conditions.”

The decision often boils down to the consistency required by the publication or platform you’re writing for.

Style Guides and Consistency

Style guides are essential for ensuring consistency in writing. Whether you’re working in journalism, academic writing, or content creation, maintaining the same format throughout your text is key.

The Chicago Manual of Style favors closed compounds, considering words like ‘preexisting’ standard. Meanwhile, the AP Stylebook leans toward the hyphenated form, which makes it more common in journalism and news outlets.

Example in Context:

• Chicago Manual of Style: “The medical records noted the preexisting condition.”
• AP Stylebook: “The doctor acknowledged a pre-existing condition during the consultation.”

When writing for online platforms, you might also consider the SEO impact of your choice. For instance, 4,400 people search for the keyword pre-existing each month, typically seeking definitions or clarification. Using the correct form can enhance your content’s relevance and searchability.

Readability and Clarity

One of the main reasons for sticking with hyphenated words like pre-existing is to enhance readability. A hyphen helps break up the word, making it easier for readers to process, especially in longer or more formal texts. In contrast, the closed form preexisting looks sleeker and is often seen as a more modern choice. However, it can sometimes cause a slight pause in the reader’s flow.

When deciding which form to use, think about the clarity of your writing. If you’re dealing with a dense academic paper, the hyphen might help the reader follow along more easily. If you’re writing a casual blog post, the closed form might feel more in tune with today’s streamlined writing style.

Example in Context:

• “The insurance policy covered all pre-existing conditions.”
• “Our study examined the preexisting factors contributing to environmental changes.”

Audience and Context

Context is everything when it comes to choosing between pre-existing and preexisting. Different industries, fields, and audiences have different preferences when it comes to word usage. For example, pre-existing is commonly used in the medical and insurance industries. The hyphen adds clarity in legal documents or policies, where precision is key.

On the other hand, preexisting might be more appropriate in academic writing or tech documentation, where the modern, streamlined look is often favored.

Consider your audience:

• Medical or Legal Professionals: Hyphenated form (pre-existing) ensures clarity.
• Tech or Academic Readers: Closed compound (preexisting) offers a more streamlined appearance.

Origins of the Word “Pre-Existing” or “Preexisting”

Pre-existing first emerged as a hyphenated compound in the 16th century. Over time, as the English language evolved, many hyphenated words began to transform into closed compounds, which led to the current debate between using pre-existing or preexisting.

Timeline of Usage:

Time Period	Common Form	Usage Example
16th Century	Pre-existing	“The pre-existing conditions were carefully considered.”
20th Century	Preexisting	“Researchers focused on the preexisting data sets.”

This shift follows a general trend in the evolution of compound words in English, where shorter, closed compounds have become more common over time. Yet, the hyphenated form persists in certain fields and style guides, maintaining its place in modern writing.

Examples in Context

To further clarify the differences between pre-existing and preexisting, let’s look at some example scenarios:

Pre-Existing:

• Medical Insurance: “Many policies do not cover pre-existing conditions until after a waiting period.”
• Real Estate: “The pre-existing structure on the property will be demolished to make room for new construction.”
• Legal Documents: “Any pre-existing agreements must be disclosed before signing the contract.”

Preexisting:

• Software Development: “The new application was designed to integrate with preexisting systems seamlessly.”
• Academic Research: “Our study focused on analyzing the preexisting literature on climate change impacts.”
• Business Contracts: “The merger will not affect any preexisting obligations between the parties.”

Synonyms for “Pre-Existing” or “Preexisting”

Looking for alternative ways to say pre-existing or preexisting? Here are some useful synonyms that can add variety to your writing:

Synonym	Example Sentence
Existing	The existing infrastructure is sufficient for the new project.
Prior	The policy applies to any prior conditions.
Established	“All established contracts remain valid.
Earlier	The findings build on earlier research.
Preceding	Any preceding regulations still apply.
Preexistent	They reviewed the preexistent theories in the field.

Compound Word Evolution

The journey from hyphenated words to closed compounds is a fascinating aspect of language evolution. English speakers first combined words with hyphens, especially when using prefixes like ‘pre-‘ or ‘co-‘. Over time, as these combinations became more familiar, the hyphen often disappeared, giving rise to closed compounds like preexisting.

The need for simplification and efficiency drives this shift in writing. Compound words naturally follow suit as the world moves toward more streamlined communication.

Bonus Tips for Writers

Here are a few extra tips to help you make the most of compound words and ensure your writing shines:

• Tip 1: Always check your style guide before making a final decision. This will ensure your writing meets the required standards.
• Tip 2: Use hyphens for clarity when the compound word might be
  confusing without one. If in doubt, adding a hyphen can often help prevent misreading.
• Tip 3: Keep readability in mind. If your readers are likely confused by a compound word, it’s better to use the hyphen.
• Tip 4: Use closed compounds like “preexisting” when writing for modern, tech-savvy audiences. This form is often preferred in academic and scientific fields.
• Tip 5: When writing for SEO, consider the search volume and intent behind keywords. For example, pre-existing condition has a higher search volume and CPC, making it more relevant for certain industries.

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing between pre-existing and preexisting, both forms are valid, but the decision depends on your audience, context, and the style guide you’re following. While the AP Stylebook favors the hyphenated form, the Chicago Manual of Style suggests the closed compound. Understanding the evolution of compound words and the preferences of different industries will help you make an informed choice.

Ultimately, the goal is to ensure clarity and consistency in your writing. By following these guidelines and examples, you can confidently use either form in the right context, knowing your writing will be both grammatically correct and easy to understand.