Let’s face it: knowing how to use a hyphen correctly can be confusing. Is it hyphenated or not? When do you use a hyphen and when don’t you? How do you even know if a word is supposed to be hyphenated in the first place?
Fear not, intrepid reader! This blog post will guide you through the murky waters of hyphen usage. By the end of this post, you’ll be able to confidently use hyphens in any situation. Ready to get started? Let’s go!
What is a Hyphen and What is it Used for?
A hyphen is a punctuation mark that is used to join words or to separate syllables of a single word. The most common use of the hyphen is to join compound words, such as “mother-in-law” or “well-being.” The hyphen can also be used to indicate that a word has been split between two lines of text, as in the case of a very long word.
In this instance, the hyphen helps the reader to know where one word ends and the next begins. Finally, the hyphen can be used in order to create certain interesting effects in writing, such as when two words are joined in order to create a new meaning (e.g., “re-do” or “co-op”). With so many uses, it’s no wonder that the humble hyphen is an essential part of the English language!
How to Use a Hyphen Correctly
How do you know when to use a hyphen? Do this test: if you can replace the word “and” with a hyphen and the result still makes sense, use a hyphen.
- For example, “coffee-stained napkins.”
The coffee-stained kind are distinct from unstained napkins, so we use a hyphen.
On the other hand, if replacing “and” doesn’t work, don’t use a hyphen.
- For example, “singer songwriter.”
In this case, it’s two jobs that the same person does, so no hyphen needed.
When in doubt, look it up or ask someone who knows. The world of punctuation is filled with rules that even the most diligent writers sometimes get wrong. So don’t worry if you’re not sure whether to use a hyphen or not. Just take your best shot and move on.
Hyphens and Compound Adjectives
If you’re ever confused about whether or not to use a hyphen, there’s an easy rule of thumb: if the words before and after the hyphen create a single idea, then they should be hyphenated.
- For example, “hand-made pizza” is a pizza that was made by hand – the two words describe a single concept.
Similarly, “full-time student” is someone who is studying full time, and “egg-white omelette” is an omelette made with egg whites. In each of these cases, the words before and after the hyphen work together to modify the word that comes between them.
There are also compound adjectives that are always hyphenated, such as “well-known,” “second-best,” and “middle-aged.” These phrases are so closely linked that they function as a single adjective. However, some compound adjectives are rarely hyphenated, such as “presidential election” and “real estate market.
In general, if you can spell out the compound adjective without using a hyphen, it’s probably okay to leave it unhyphenated. Of course, there are always exceptions to every rule, so if you’re unsure whether or not to use a hyphen, it’s always best to consult a dictionary.
Compound Numbers
When do you use a hyphen? The most common time to use a hyphen is when you’re writing compound numbers. A compound number is two or more words that express a single number. For example, “twenty-six” is a compound number made up of the words “two” and “six.” You would write it as “26.
But what if you’re writing out the number? In that case, you would use a hyphen: “We have twenty-six members in our family.” So when in doubt, err on the side of using a hyphen when writing compound numbers. And one more tip: when using hyphens with compounds, be consistent throughout your writing.
If you choose to write “twenty-six,” then make sure all the other compound numbers in your piece are also written with hyphens.
Words that are Always Hyphenated
Many people believe that compound words are always hyphenated. However, this is not the case. In fact, there are three main situations in which compound words are typically hyphenated: when they appear at the beginning of a sentence, when they are used as adjectives, and when they are used to create new words.
- For example, the compound word “ice cream” is hyphenated when it appears at the beginning of a sentence: “Ice cream is my favorite dessert.”
Similarly, it is hyphenated when used as an adjective: “I have an ice-cream cone.” Finally, it can be hyphenated when used to create a new word: “I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!” In each of these cases, the hyphen helps to clarify the meaning of the compound word.
Phrases that are Always Hyphenated
A hyphen is used to join two or more words together. Many phrases are always hyphenated, such as “e-mail” and “co-founder”. Here are some other examples:
- mother-in-law
- two-thirds
- mid-July
- second-best
- jack-of-all-trades
If you’re not sure whether a phrase should be hyphenated, you can consult a dictionary. In general, if a phrase is used frequently, it’s likely to be hyphenated. So if you’re ever in doubt, it’s best to err on the side of using a hyphen.
Why the Hyphen Matters
The hyphen is a small, unassuming punctuation mark, and it’s easy to see why many people overlook its importance. But the truth is, the hyphen can make all the difference in the world-literally. A single misplaced hyphen can change the meaning of a sentence entirely, as in the famous example “The farm was used to raise sheep-and goats.”
Without the hyphen, this sentence suggests that the farm was formerly used for raising sheep but is now being used for some other purpose, such as growing crops. However, with the hyphen in place, it becomes clear that the farm is still being used for raising animals-sheep and goats.
As this example shows, the hyphen plays an essential role in helping readers correctly interpret written language. So next time you’re proofreading a document, take a closer look at those innocent-looking hyphens-you might be surprised at how much power they have.
The Different Types of Hyphens
A hyphen is a punctuation mark that’s used to join words or parts of words. There are different types of hyphens, each with its own specific purpose.
- The most common type of hyphen is the en dash, which is used to indicate a range of numbers, such as “pages 14–16.”
- The em dash can be used in a similar way, but it’s also often used for emphasis, as in “I’m not going to stand for this—I’m going to do something about it.” The hyphen can also be used to create compound adjectives, as in “long-term-care insurance.”
- There’s the little-known double hyphen, which is used to join two independent clauses that are related to each other.
As you can see, there are many different ways to use the humble hyphen. So next time you reach for that trusty old hyphen key on your keyboard, think about which type of hyphen would best suit your needs.
What is the Difference Between En Dash and Em Dash?
En dash and em dash are both punctuation marks that are used to create interruption in a sentence. En dash is shorter than em dash. En dash is used to represent a span or range of numbers, like in the dates “June 7–11,” or “Pages 12–16.” Em dash is used to create an abrupt break in thought—like this. (An em dash is about as long as the capital letter M.)
Use an em dash when you want to make a stronger interruption than a comma can provide, or when parentheses would be confusing. You can also use em dashes around non-essential words or phrases—like this—to set them off from the rest of your text. Just be sure not to overuse them, or your writing will start to look like a choppy mess.
So, there you have it: en dashes are for ranges and spans, while em dashes set off interruptions and non-essential words. Easy, right?
How to Use a Hyphen When Creating Compound Words
A hyphen (-) is a punctuation mark that is used to join words or parts of words. The most common use of the hyphen is to join two or more words to form a compound word.
- For example, the word “self-esteem” is a compound word that is made up of the words “self” and “esteem.”
The hyphen helps to show that the two words are working together as one word.
Another common use of the hyphen is to indicate that a word has been split at the end of a line of text. For instance, if the word “rainbow” is too long to fit on one line, it can be split into two parts: “rain-bow.” The hyphen helps to show that the two parts should be read as one word.
In general, hyphens are used to help create clarity in writing. When used correctly, they can help to make complex ideas easier to understand. However, when used incorrectly, they can create confusion and make writing difficult to follow. As a result, it is important to know when and how to use hyphens correctly.
What is the Difference Between a Hyphen and a Dash?
A hyphen is a short horizontal line that is used to join words or parts of words. Hyphens are commonly used to break a word at the end of a line of text, as well as to create compound words. A dash, on the other hand, is a longer horizontal line that is used to indicate a break in thought or to set off lists and other types of explanatory text.
Dashes can be either em dashes (—) or en dashes (–). While hyphens are generally considered to be optional, dashes are usually considered to be mandatory. As a result, it is important to use them correctly to avoid confusion.
How to Use a Hyphen in Compound Adjectives
Here’s a rule of thumb: if you can use the word “and” between the two adjectives, then you can also use a hyphen.
- For example, “I’m looking for a big-time law firm” becomes “I’m looking for a big and time law firm.”
If you can’t use “and” between the adjectives, then don’t use a hyphen.
- For example, “This law firm is big time” would become “This law firm is big-time.”
The same goes for compound nouns: if you can use “and” between the two nouns, then you can also use a hyphen.
- For example, “We’re looking for a dog-walking service” becomes “We’re looking for a dog and walking service.”
And finally, if you’re unsure whether or not to use a hyphen, err on the side of leaving it out. More often than not, it’s better to be clear than correct.
How to Use a Hyphen with Certain Prefixes and Suffixes
Sometimes it’s helpful to use a hyphen.
- For example, if you’re using a prefix like “anti” or “pre,” it can be helpful to use a hyphen so that people can more easily see that the two words are working together.
The same is true of suffixes like “-ing” or “-ed.” By using a hyphen, you can create a compound word that’s easy for people to read and understand. Of course, there are exceptions to every rule, so you’ll need to use your best judgment when it comes to using hyphens. But in general, if you’re uncertain, it’s better to err on the side of using a hyphen than not.
When Not to Use a Hyphen
When should you not use a hyphen? Here are three quick rules:
- When the two words can stand alone as independent words, don’t use a hyphen. For example, “cooperate” and “revolving door” are two words that you can find in the dictionary without a hyphen.
- When the two words are commonly used together, don’t use a hyphen. For example, “comparing apples to oranges” is a phrase that you often see without a hyphen.
- When the compound word is an adjective that comes before the noun it’s modifying, don’t use a hyphen. For example, “state of the art” is an adjective phrase that you would typically not hyphenate.
There are exceptions to every rule, but following these three simple guidelines will help you make the right decision most of the time. So when in doubt, leave the hyphen out!
Words and Phrases that are Never Hyphenated
The word ‘hyphen’ is derived from the Greek word ‘huphen’, meaning ‘together’. A hyphen is used to join words or parts of words. It is also used to indicate that a word has been split between two lines of text. However, there are some words and phrases that are never hyphenated.
- For example, ‘cooperate’ and ‘coordinate’ are always written as one word, without a hyphen.
The same is true of ‘compare’, ‘contrast’, and other words ending in -ate. In addition, phrases such as ‘very well’, ‘not applicable’, and ‘more than one’ are also not hyphenated. While there are rules for when to use a hyphen, ultimately it is up to the author to decide whether or not to use one.
The Correct Way to Use a Hyphen with Multiple Adjectives
Here’s a tip: when you’re using multiple adjectives before a noun, use a hyphen to link them together. This makes your meaning clear and prevents misunderstandings.
- For example, let’s say you’re describing a blue-green dress.
If you don’t use a hyphen, your reader might think you’re talking about a blue dress that is also green, or a dress that is both blue and green. But if you use a hyphen, it’s clear that you’re talking about a dress with blue and green as two separate colors. So next time you need to use multiple adjectives, remember to hyphenate them!
How to Avoid Common Mistakes with Using Hyphens
Hyphens are often misused, and even educated people often make mistakes with them. Here are a few tips to help you avoid some of the most common errors:
- Remember that hyphens are used to join words or parts of words together. They are not used to create space between words, as in “e-mail” or “co-op.
- Be careful not to overuse hyphens. Too many hyphens can make your writing look cluttered and can be confusing for readers.
- Use hyphens sparingly in formal writing. In general, it is best to err on the side of using too few hyphens rather than too many.
- When in doubt, consult a dictionary. If there is more than one way to hyphenate a word, choose the option that is listed first.
By following these simple tips, you can avoid most common mistakes with using hyphens. With a little practice, using hyphens correctly will become second nature.
Conclusion
Hyphens are punctuation marks that are used to connect words and to divide a word at the end of a line. They can also be used as part of a compound word, such as in “mid-air” or “well-being.” In general, you should use a hyphen when it is needed to avoid confusion or awkwardness.
There are three main types of hyphens: the en dash (–), the em dash (—), and the hyphen-minus (-). The en dash is used to indicate a range or comparison, such as “2–4 years” or “10 > 5.” The em dash can be used in place of a comma, semicolon, or colon—or to set off a phrase for emphasis. The hyphen-minus is the most common type of hyphen and is used for joining words or word fragments.
When using hyphens, it is important to be consistent with your style guide (if you are following one) and to use them sparingly. Overuse of hyphens can make your writing look cluttered and can be confusing for readers.
In general, you should use a hyphen when it’s needed to avoid confusion or awkwardness. When in doubt, consult a dictionary or style guide—or err on the side of not using a hyphen.
FAQs
When do I use a hyphen?
A hyphen is most commonly used to connect two words, or to divide a word at the end of a line. You should also use a hyphen when creating compound words, such as in “mid-air” or “well-being.”
How do I know when to use a hyphen?
In general, you should use a hyphen when it’s needed to avoid confusion or awkwardness. For example, if two words are run together without a hyphen, it can be difficult for readers to understand what you’re trying to say. Similarly, if a word is divided at the end of a line, the result can be an awkward sentence. In these cases, using a hyphen can help to clarify the meaning of the text.
What are some other rules for using hyphens?
There are a few other cases where you might use a hyphen. For example, you might use a hyphen when writing out fractions (such as “three-fourths”), or when creating words that are adjective + noun combinations (such as “state-of-the-art”). You can also use a hyphen to connect certain prefixes and suffixes to words (such as in “anti-inflammatory” or “pre-owned”).
Can I use a hyphen instead of an em dash?
An em dash is a longer punctuation mark that can be used in place of a comma, parentheses, or a colon. Unlike a hyphen, an em dash can be used in the middle of a sentence. However, an em dash is not always appropriate, so be sure to use it sparingly.
When should I not use a hyphen?
There are some cases where you should not use a hyphen. For example, you should not use a hyphen after certain prefixes (such as “self-” or “ex-”). Additionally, you should not use a hyphen between two words that are already compound words (such as “mother-in-law”). Finally, you should not use a hyphen if the result would create an awkward or unclear sentence.
When in doubt, it’s always best to consult a dictionary or style guide. This will help you to determine when a hyphen is needed, and when it’s not necessary.
What is the difference between a hyphen and an en dash?
An en dash is a medium-length punctuation mark that can be used in place of a hyphen. An en dash is slightly longer than a hyphen, but shorter than an em dash. Like a hyphen, an en dash can be used to connect two words or to divide a word at the end of a line. Additionally, an en dash can be used in compound words (such as “post-op” or “pre-kindergarten”).
What is the difference between a hyphen and an em dash?
An em dash is a long punctuation mark that can be used in place of a comma, parentheses, or a colon. Unlike a hyphen, an em dash can be used in the middle of a sentence. However, an em dash is not always appropriate, so be sure to use it sparingly. When in doubt, it’s always best to consult a dictionary or style guide.
Are there any other tips for using hyphens?
Here are a few additional tips:
- When in doubt, it’s always best to consult a dictionary or style guide. This will help you to determine when a hyphen is needed, and when it’s not necessary.
- If you’re unsure about whether or not to use a hyphen, try reading the sentence out loud. This can help you to hear whether or not the sentence sounds awkward without a hyphen.
- Remember that you can always use a space instead of a hyphen, if you’re not sure which is appropriate. However, be aware that this might make your text look less professional.
- When in doubt, err on the side of using a hyphen. It’s better to use a hyphen when it’s not strictly necessary, than to not use a hyphen when it is needed.
