'three-fold' perspective:

[breskva]

Hello!

I'm writing an essay presenting the topic as seen by three different groups of people - so there are three different points of view. Can I say (e.g. in the title) that the essay is "a three-fold perspective on the topic..."? Would the word three-fold be correct in that context? (By the way, is the hyphen in the word three-fold necessary?)

Thanks a lot.

 

[shawnee]

It might help to know a little more about the work. Is it a creative piece or some other form? This will determine how explicit the terms of the title will need to be.

 

[sdgraham]

"Threefold" has the connotation, at least in some uses, of meaning three times something.

I would not try to be fancy. I would just call it "Three perspectives ... " and leave it there, where there's no question as to applicability.

 

[frostypotter]

"Threefold" has the connotation, at least in some uses, of meaning three times something.

I would not try to be fancy. I would just call it "Three perspectives ... " and leave it there, where there's no question as to applicability.

I completely agree. "Threefold" should be left to quantifiable nouns that are being compared to each other. You might opt for "multifaceted" or "three-part perspective" in your title. Also, I have been taught the hyphen would be necessary for "three-part" or other such combination or words as it is a hierarchical combination of two adjectives describing a single noun. This might help with the hyphenation issue.

 

[Rover_KE]

Does tripartite have the meaning you're looking for?

Rover

 

[frostypotter]

Does tripartite have the meaning you're looking for?

Rover

Tripartite works very well for the example. Good word. It also makes sense for a more formal paper. Cheers, Rover.