hyphens &dashes(1)

HYPHENS &DASHES

HYPHENS

Use hyphen to divide a word or to form a compound.

Raimes, A., & Miller-Cochran, S. K. (2014). Keys for writers. Boston: Wadsworth Pub Co.

HYPHENS WITH PREFIXES

Many word with prefixes are spelled without hyphens: cooperate, nonrestrictive, unnatural.

Others are hyphenated: all-inclusive, anti-intellectual, self-effecting.

Always, use a hyphen when the main word is a number or a proper noun: all-American, post-2010.

If you are unsure about whether to insert hyphen after a prefix, check a big dictionary to see if it lists the word as hyphenated.


HYPHEN IN COMPOUND WORD

Some compound nouns are written as one word (toothbrush),

others as two words (coffee shop), and still others with one or more

hyphen(role-playing, father-in-law). Always check an up-to-data dictionary.

Similarly, check a dictionary for compound verbs(Cross-examine, overemphasize).


HYPHENATE COMPOUND ADJECTIVE

Preceding a noun: a well-organized party, a law-abiding citizen, a ten-page essay.

When the modifier follows the noun, no hyphen is necessary:

The party was well organized. Most citizens try to be law abiding. The essay was ten pages long.


Do not insert a hyphen between an- ly adverb and the word it modifies or often an adjectives in its comparative(-er) or superlative (-est) form:

a tightly fitting suit, an expertly written essay, a sweeter sounding melody.

Treat a series of hyphenated prefixes like this:

A verdict of either first- or second-degree murder was expected.

HYPHENATE COMPOUND ADJECTIVE


HYPHENS IN SPELLED-OUT NUMBERS

Use hyphens when spelling out two-word numbers from twenty-one to ninty-nine.

Twenty-two applicanta arrived early in the morning.

Also use a hyphen in spelled-out fractions: two-thirds of a cup.


END-OF-LINE- HYPHENS

Most words processor either automatically hyphenate words automatically wrap words around to the next line.

Choose the later option to avoid the strange and unacceptable word division that something appears with automatic hyphenation.

Do not insert a hyphen into a URL to spilt it across lines.


DASHES

A Dash (-) alerts readers to an explanation, to something unexpected, or to an interruption. Form a dash by typing two hyphens with no extra space before, between, or after them. Some word processing software will transform the two hyphens in to one continuous dash.


Dashes should enclose a phrase, not a clause.

She bragged that her dog—a Pomeranian –had a complete wardrobe of sweaters.

The accused gasped, “But I never–” and fainted.

In America there are two classes of travel—first class and with children.

DASHES


Commas can be used to set of an appositive phrase, but a pair of dashes is preferable when appositive phrase form a list already containing commas.

The content of his closet—torn jeans, frayed jackets, and suits shiny on the seat and elbows—made him reassess his priorities.

Overusing the dash may produce a staccato effect. Use it sparingly.

DASHES


hyphens &dashes(1)

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