One Word or Two? More Examples

Here are more instances when a single word is often used when it should be two words. In all these cases, the two-word combination is a verb; the one word is a noun or adjective. (A note: This article focuses on the most common definitions and usages of these words. Many of them have other, less-common meanings.) 
 
Check Up and Checkup 
 
"Check up" means to examine. "I'm going to check up on the project." 
 
"Checkup" means an examination. "I scheduled my dental checkup." 
 
Check Out and Checkout 
 
"Check out" means "to leave." "He checked out of the hotel." 
 
"Check out" can also mean to investigate or look at something. "I'm going to check out the new library." 
 
"Checkout" is a noun, which can mean the process by which someone "checks out." "The hotel's checkout policy is that you check out by noon." 
 
"Checkout" can also refer to a store counter where customers pay. 
 
Many Web sites use the word incorrectly, directing you to "checkout" now. They should ask you to "check out" now. 
 
Follow up and Follow-up 
 
"Follow up" is a verb. "I will follow up with you after the meeting." 
 
"Follow-up" is both a noun and an adjective, meaning the act of reviewing, updating or improving something. "The follow-up examination was one week after the surgery." "The report detailed the needed follow-up." 
 
Cut off and Cutoff 
 
"Cut off" means to stop or separate. "They cut off our supplies." "We were cut off from all communication with headquarters." 
 
"Cutoff" means a deadline or a point beyond which something can't happen. "The cutoff date for applications was Tuesday." 

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