The question of whether to use “in-store,” “in store,” or “instore” is a common one, and there is some debate among dictionaries and style guides about which spelling is correct. The Oxford Dictionary and the Macquarie Dictionary have different recommendations, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific style guide or dictionary you choose to follow.
If you prefer the Oxford Dictionary as your spelling guide, you would use “in-store.” The hyphenated form is commonly used in British English and is generally preferred by more conservative grammarians. The hyphen helps to clarify that “in-store” is functioning as a compound adjective modifying a noun. For example, you might say “in-store promotions” or “in-store purchases.”
On the other hand, if you prefer the Macquarie Dictionary, you would use “instore” without a hyphen. The Macquarie Dictionary is an Australian dictionary and tends to follow Australian English conventions, which often favor closed or solid spellings for compound words. For example, you might say “instore advertising” or “instore shopping.”
It’s worth noting that both forms, “in-store” and “instore,” are widely used and understood by English speakers. The choice between the two largely depends on personal preference and the style guide or dictionary you choose to follow. If you are writing for a specific publication or organization, it may be best to consult their style guide for guidance on which spelling to use.
The spelling of “in-store” or “instore” depends on your personal preference and the style guide or dictionary you choose to follow. Both spellings are widely used and understood, so it’s important to be consistent in your usage and follow the guidelines of the specific style guide or dictionary you are using.
