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For the most up-to-date content, please consult Writing Tips Plus, which combines content from Writing Tips and The Canadian Style. And don’t forget to update your bookmarks!

Search Canada.ca
To begin your search, go to the alphabetical index below and click on the first letter of the word you are searching for.

co-op, co-operate, co-operative

Co-operate and co-operative are the preferred Canadian spellings. However, the words are increasingly seen without a hyphen.

One co-operates with a person or an organization, while one co-operates in performing an action.

  • The residents of Walkerton co-operated with the public health authorities during the water crisis.
  • The principal thanked the students for co-operating in the school cleanup.

Co-op is the short form for co-operative.

  • Co-op (or Co-operative) housing is very popular in Sydney.
  • Ian shops at a food co-op where he earns a membership dividend.