Hyphens

Front

What is a hyphen?

Back

A hyphen (-) is a punctuation mark used to join words or parts of words together, often to create compound terms.

Front

When should you use a hyphen in compound adjectives?

Back

Use a hyphen in compound adjectives when they appear before a noun, e.g., 'well-known author'.

Front

Provide an example of a compound noun that uses a hyphen.

Back

Sister-in-law.

Front

What is the rule for hyphenating numbers?

Back

Hyphenate compound numbers from twenty-one to ninety-nine, e.g., 'twenty-one'.

Front

When is it appropriate to use a hyphen with prefixes?

Back

Use a hyphen with prefixes when the prefix ends with the same vowel that the root word begins with, e.g., 're-enter'.

Front

What is the difference between a hyphen and a dash?

Back

A hyphen (-) connects words, while a dash (–) indicates a break in thought or a range.

Front

How do you correctly hyphenate 'four year' when used as an adjective?

Back

It should be hyphenated as 'four-year' when used as an adjective, e.g., 'four-year degree'.

Front

What is a common mistake when using hyphens in compound modifiers?

Back

A common mistake is omitting the hyphen in compound modifiers before a noun, e.g., 'high-quality product'.

Front

When should you not use a hyphen?

Back

Do not use a hyphen when the compound adjective follows the noun, e.g., 'the product is high quality'.

Front

What is an example of a hyphenated phrase that indicates a range?

Back

'The 2010-2015 study'.