What are the rules for using hyphens?

Generally, you need the hyphen only if the two words are functioning together as an adjective before the noun they’re describing. If the noun comes first, leave the hyphen out. This wall is load bearing. It’s impossible to eat this cake because it is rock hard.

What are the six uses for a hyphen?

Hyphens have six uses: (1) To join the words in a compound adjective. (2) To join the words in a compound noun. (3) To join a prefix to a word.

How do you use a hyphen in a list?

Using Hyphens in Lists If the second part of all the words in a list is the same, a hyphen can be used to stand in for this part of the word in all the words except the last one. For example: two-, three-, or fourfold.

Does made up have a hyphen?

Make-up functions as an adjective, a word or phrase that modifies a noun, such as a make-up test. Modifying phrases made up of two or more words, where the words together modify the noun, are hyphenated. Make up (two words) is a verb, a word or phrase that depicts action. “Make up” is to reconcile.

Do you put a hyphen between numbers and words?

When numbers are used as the first part of a compound adjective, use a hyphen to connect them to the noun that follows them. This applies whether the number is written in words or in digits.

Do you capitalize after a hyphen?

For hyphenated compounds, it recommends: Always capitalize the first element. Capitalize any subsequent elements unless they are articles, prepositions, coordinating conjunctions (and, but, for, or, nor), or such modifiers as flat or sharp following musical key symbols.

When should a hyphen be used examples?

Generally, hyphenate two or more words when they come before a noun they modify and act as a single idea. This is called a compound adjective. When a compound adjective follows a noun, a hyphen is usually not necessary. Example: The apartment is off campus.

Do you use a hyphen after multi?

Do not hyphenate other wide words: statewide, nationwide, countywide. “Multi” words are spelled solid unless such a spelling makes for awkward reading.

How do you use two hyphens in a sentence?

Two dashes can emphasize a modifier. Words or phrases that describe a noun can be set off with dashes if you wish to emphasize them. Example: The fairgrounds—cold and wet in the October rain—were deserted. Example: Nettie—her chin held high—walked out into the storm.

Is Skin Care One word or two?

It’d make sense even if you used an at sign, but the two-word spelling is the usual form. However, Collins has an entry for skincare.

How to use hyphen correctly?

Two or more adjectives that act as a single idea and are located before a noun are connected with a hyphen.

When to use hyphen?

A hyphen (-) is a punctuation mark that’s used to join words or parts of words. Use a hyphen in a compound modifier when the modifier comes before the word it’s modifying. If you’re not sure whether a compound word has a hyphen or not, check your preferred dictionary.

What is a hyphenated word?

Hyphenated words are compound words that are made up of two or more words usually with hyphens (-) between them. In simple words, hyphens are used between words to form hyphenated words. Hyphenated Adjectives. We use hyphens to join adjective, adverb, noun, past participle, present participle… to form compound adjectives in English.

What is a hyphen letter?

The hyphen (‐) is a punctuation mark used to join words, and to separate syllables of a single word. The use of hyphens is called hyphenation .