joined-up
joined-up — adjective
1. Describing a style of handwriting where the letters within each word flow into o
Describing a style of handwriting where the letters within each word flow into one another without lifting the pen, rather than being written separately as printed letters.
In British primary schools, children usually begin using joined-up handwriting when they start Year 3.
joined-up handwriting as a school milestone
Aoi's teacher told her to make smaller letters for joined-up writing and to practise every evening.
The birthday card was written in beautiful joined-up script with a fountain pen.
Some parents worry that typing on tablets stops children from learning joined-up writing at school.
Linh's handwriting became much neater after she practised joined-up letters every day for a month.
- cursive
The standard term in US and international contexts; 'joined-up' is chiefly British
- flowing
Describes the smooth, connected appearance but is less specific — can also describe calligraphy or decorative script
- linked
Occasionally used as a synonym for joined-up letters, but less common in educational settings
- printed
Refers to writing each letter separately, the opposite of joined-up handwriting
文法句型
joined-up + noun (writing, handwriting, script, letters)
用法筆記
This sense is most commonly used in British educational contexts. In US English, 'cursive' is the usual term for connected handwriting.
常見錯誤
2. Describing ideas, policies, or systems that are combined so that different group
Describing ideas, policies, or systems that are combined so that different groups or departments communicate well and work together effectively toward shared goals.
The mayor promised a joined-up approach to transport, housing, and environmental policy across the city.
joined-up approach + multiple policy areas
The company wasted its campaign budget because its finance and marketing teams lacked joined-up thinking.
Rohan argued that the health service needed joined-up care plans connecting hospitals, clinics, and home visits.
The government's joined-up flood-prevention strategy brought local councils, emergency services, and environmental agencies together.
Karim said the school lacked a joined-up bullying policy — each teacher handled incidents differently.
- integrated
More common internationally and across business contexts; 'integrated' emphasises parts forming a unified whole, while 'joined-up' stresses communication between parts
- coordinated
Broader term — suggests efficient arrangement of parts but less emphasis on communication and cooperation
- holistic
Emphasises considering the whole system rather than individual parts; used in healthcare, education, and wellbeing contexts
- coherent
Focuses on logical consistency, especially in arguments or plans, rather than inter-departmental cooperation
- fragmented
Describes parts that are separate and not working together effectively
- siloed
Describes departments or groups that operate in isolation without sharing information
文法句型
joined-up + noun (thinking, approach, strategy, policy, care)
用法筆記
This sense is frequent in British public policy, business, and education writing. It often appears with nouns like 'thinking', 'approach', 'strategy', 'policy', and 'care'. The opposite idea is often described as 'fragmented' or 'siloed'.