Criteria that distinguish ACs from phrases
Bauer's definition of compounding explains the formation of a new lexeme but fails to explain why this lexeme
should be considered a compound and not a free combination of lexemes or a phrase.
The only way to distinguish compounds, in this particular case adjectival compounds,
from phrases is by producing a list of criteria. This unit outlines three major criteria
that helps us to set ACs and phrases apart. These include:
- orthographic
- syntactic
- linking element (interfix)
However, there is no universal list of criteria for compoundhood and the criteria that is applicable to English and
Bulgarian compounds might not be consistent in other languages.
