As a language expert with a deep understanding of the nuances and evolution of the English language, I'd like to address the question of whether "homemade" should be written as one word or two. The answer to this question involves understanding the historical development of compound words, the rules governing their formation, and the current standard usage in English.
Homemade is a compound word that is formed by combining the noun "home" with the adjective "made." In English, compound words are created by combining two or more words to create a new word with a distinct meaning. Over time, as these compound words become more common and widely accepted, they often undergo a process of lexicalization, where they are treated as single units rather than a combination of separate words.

In the case of "homemade," the term originally appeared as two separate words, "home made." This was in line with the general rule that when combining a noun and a participle to form an adjective, they are typically written as two separate words. However, as the term became more prevalent and widely understood, it gradually shifted to being written as one word, "homemade."

The process of shifting from a two-word to a one-word form is indeed a well-established process in the English language. This is evident in other examples such as "thank you," "a lot," and "in store," which, despite occasional variations, are generally accepted and preferred as two separate words in standard British English. However, it's important to note that the acceptability of such forms can vary between British and American English, with American English often favoring the one-word form more readily.

When determining whether to use one word or two, it's crucial to consider the context and the intended meaning. In the case of "homemade," the one-word form is now widely accepted and understood to mean something that is made, prepared, or produced at home, rather than by professional manufacturers. This form is particularly prevalent in American English, where it is the standard form used in both speech and writing.

However, it's also worth noting that language is a living, evolving entity, and what is considered standard can change over time. As such, it's always a good idea to consult reputable sources, such as dictionaries and style guides, to ensure that you are using language in a way that is current and appropriate for your audience.

In conclusion, while "homemade" can be found in some contexts as two words, especially in British English, the one-word form is now the standard in American English and is increasingly accepted in British English as well. The evolution of language and the process of lexicalization have led to the widespread acceptance of "homemade" as a single, unified term.

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One word or two? Take a look at these sentences from the Oxford English Corpus: ... None of the spellings given above are acceptable in standard British English: you should still write thank you, a lot, and in store as two words. But the shift from two-word to one-word forms is a well-established process in the language.read more >>