How is "stray dog" written? - briefly
The phrase "stray dog" is typically written as two separate words in English, without any hyphens or capitalization beyond the initial letter of each word.
How is "stray dog" written? - in detail
The term "stray dog" is typically written as two separate words, without any hyphen or space between them. This convention follows the standard rules of English grammar and usage for compound nouns that consist of an adjective and a noun. In this case, "stray" functions as an adjective modifying the noun "dog," describing its condition as being lost, abandoned, or without an owner.
It is important to note that while some dictionaries might list "straydog" as a single word, it is not commonly used in formal writing or mainstream publications. The most widely accepted and recognized form remains "stray dog." This ensures clarity and proper communication of the intended meaning.
Additionally, when using the term in a written context, it is advisable to capitalize both words if they appear at the beginning of a sentence, following standard English capitalization rules for titles and headings. For example: "A Stray Dog wandered into the yard last night." This practice maintains consistency with other compound nouns and adheres to grammatical norms.
In conclusion, writing "stray dog" as two separate words is the preferred and most accurate way to represent this term in English.