How Do You Know If A Hyphen Is Needed?

We use an en dash when the prefix goes with an open compound noun: non–United States citizen. And we use a hyphen when the prefix goes with a hyphenated compound: non-English-speaking.

Does one word have a hyphen?

Compound nouns are usually written as one word, compound verbs are generally written as two, and compound adjectives are very often written with a hyphen.

How is the hyphen used?

Hyphens connect two words to make a single word. Hyphens are also used to attach a prefix to a word. In some situations, hyphens connect adverbs and adjectives to describe a noun. This can be avoided by rewording the sentence.

Does eye opening have a hyphen?

Does “eye opening” in the following sentence need a hyphen? It was an eye opening experience. Yes. I suppose an exception would be if your optometrist introduced you to the experience of opening your eyes in a new way.

What is a hyphen example?

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. Son-in-law is an example of a hyphenated word.

How do you use a hyphen in a sentence?

1. Use a hyphen to join two or more words that stand for a single adjective (describing word) before a noun.

  1. chocolate-covered donuts.
  2. well-known doctor.
  3. much-needed vacation.
  4. nice-looking girl.

Is tonight one word or two words?

Per the Online Etymology Dictionary, tonight was written as two words until the 18th century, after which it was written with a hyphen until the early 20th century. It’s a similar story for today, except it acquired a hyphen about two centuries earlier.

Does high pitched have a hyphen?

Although high-pitched is serving the same function as fifteen-legged, high-pitched is a hyphenated adjective, while the hyphen-combined words fifteen and legged form a compound adjective.

Does non refundable have a hyphen?

non- – Most words beginning with non- do not use a hyphen (nonprofit, nonrefundable).

Why does nonsense not have a hyphen?

Hyphenating the word nonsensical contributes to the notion that sensical is detachable. The notion of “non-sensical” is that the speech of the afflicted person “makes no sense.” The noun for that kind of speech is nonsense. The adjective is nonsensical without a hyphen.

Does at risk have a hyphen?

When used as a modifier before a noun, “at risk” is a compound adjective and should be hyphenated. When it is used after a noun, it is not hyphenated.

Is the hyphen dead?

The hyphen is not dead. Its use has been declining, but mostly in the realm of joining common nouns. In 2007, the Shorter Oxford English Dictionary eliminated hyphens from 16,000 entries.

Do you capitalize after a hyphen?

Capitalize only the first element of a hyphenated word unless any subsequent element is a proper noun or adjective. … 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.

Is there a hyphen in all day?

The dictionary said all-day means available throughout the day. But is the hyphen necessary? The hyphen is preferred in this type of construction. But in this case, there is no other likely meaning when it is omitted, so there would be no harm in leaving it out.

Is tonight a common noun?

It is a common noun. What about “today”?

Is tonight a verb or a noun?

As detailed above, ‘tonight’ can be a noun or an adverb. Noun usage: Tonight is the night. … Adverb usage: I want to party tonight! Adverb usage: I had a wonderful time with you tonight.

How do we use tonight?

Tonight is used to refer to the evening of today or the night that follows today. I’m at home tonight. Tonight, I think he proved to everybody what a great player he was. There they will stay until 11 o’clock tonight.

How does a hyphen look like?

Alternatively known as a dash, subtract, negative, or minus sign, the hyphen ( – ) is a punctuation mark on the underscore key next to the “0” key on US keyboards. Pictured is an example of the hyphen and underscore key on top of the keyboard. … Keyboard help and support.

What is a hyphen vs dash?

A hyphen (-) is a punctuation mark that’s used to join words or parts of words. It’s not interchangeable with other types of dashes. A dash is longer than a hyphen and is commonly used to indicate a range or a pause.

What is the difference between en and em dashes?

Em dashes and en dashes (— vs –) … The shorter en dash (–) is used to mark ranges. The longer em dash (—) is used to separate extra information or mark a break in a sentence.

Does ice cream need a hyphen?

Usually in referring to the dessert itself one would use “ice cream.” However, if you are using it as an adjective it would include a hyphen as in “ice-cream chair” or “ice-cream cone.” However, hyphens are going out of style so you’ll probably see those phrases without hyphens as well.

What does a hyphen mean in a name?

What Is a Hyphenated Last Name? A hyphenated last name is when you and your spouse combine both of your last names with a hyphen. This is also called a double surname. In many states, when you fill out your application for your marriage license, you’ll be writing your intended married name on that application.