The wordlike properties of minimum free forms are clear. They are always grammatical forms, because we pay strict attention to ICs structure in finding and defining them. They are on the average larger than morphemes and smaller than whole utterances. Their unwordlike property is that sometimes they are larger than single words. ‘Twenty –eight’ is two words, but only one minimum free form, since one of its ICs (-th) is bound.
- Hockett (1958), a pag.169

There are two types of wordlike unit which fulfil lay expectations on the present count [...]. One of these is the ‘minimum free form’. [...] Some free forms consist of Ics which are all also free. ‘John’s hat’ is an example, since both ‘John’s’ and ‘hat’ are free. Many, however, do not consist wholly of free Ics; they are therefore ‘minimum’ free form.
- Hockett (1958), a pag.168