[50.] Division of Words. De Vinne says the system most approved now authorizes the division of a word, when consistent with pronunciation, on the vowel at the end of the syllable. The system is defective in its inability to make provision for the syllables that end with consonants. Divisions of all kinds should be prevented as often as possible. The Chicago Proofreaders’ Association offers the following rules concerning divisions. The reprint ‘follows copy’ as published by the Association:
The proper division of words is an important matter. An improper division is as much an error as a misplaced letter, and is oftentimes more misleading.
Follow the American rule of dividing words at the end of the line according to pronunciation rather than the British rule of dividing on the vowel or to show derivation. The dictionary in use in any particular office should be followed, unless otherwise directed.
Where a vowel constitutes a syllable in the middle of a word, place this vowel in the first line, as promi-nent is preferable to prom-inent, quali-ties to qual-ities, particu-lar to partic-ular, dili-gence to dil-igence, sepa-rate to sep-arate, etc. Exceptions: In words ending in -able or -ible, the single vowel should be carried into the second line.
There are frequent instances where a particular division of a word will aid the reader in its pronunciation at first sight, obviating a faltering or repetition, as pro-gress, verb, and prog-ress, noun; distrib-ute, verb, and distri-bution, noun; pre-fer, verb, and pref-erable, adjective.
Never divide a word pronounced as one syllable, as “changed,” “drowned,” “dipped,” etc.
Avoid all two-letter divisions except in very narrow measures or where very large types are used.
Avoid having three or more successive divisions at the ends of lines.
Divide En-gland and En-glish as pronounced and as they are here printed.
The addition of s to form the plural of a word—as horses, fences, etc.—does not justify a division on the last portion so formed, as, circumstan-ces, etc. Avoid all such divisions.