How to Use Hyphen Punctuation Correctly?

Hyphen Punctuation: A hyphen is a type of punctuation mark that is generally used to bring compound words together. You must have seen this punctuation in between the words that are connecting each other. In the sentences, the usage of hyphens can be simple as well as understandable; you just need to determine the words that will use this symbol. Here, we will understand the correct usage of hyphens along with their definition rules and examples. So that, you can avoid any grammatical errors related in the future.

What is a Hyphen Punctuation?

A hyphen is used to combine two or more words to form compound words. It is denoted by the symbol (-) in between the related words that are joined together. The hyphen is not replaceable with several dashes present. It is frequently used along with compound modifiers when it comes before the modifying word. 

Moreover, the hyphen punctuation is used to divide elements, words, or numbers in a sentence. You can use the dictionary to check if the compound word includes a hyphen or not. Some of the hyphenated compound words are given below for an analysis.

• check-in 
• sister-in-law
• well -being
• empty-handed 
• high-tech 
• ready-made 
• self-paced 
• re-examine 
• fast-forward
• bottle-feed

Rules of Hyphen Punctuation

A basic understanding of grammar rules about hyphens is required to use them properly in sentences. Let’s take a look at some of the important rules of Hyphen Punctuation.

• A hyphen is used with compound adjectives when two or more words are coming before a noun; they change and work as a single idea. However, hyphen punctuation is not required when a compound adjective follows a noun.

Example:-

1. It was a state-of-the-art design that impressed the audience.

2. An off-campus placement happened in college.

• The suspended hyphens are used when two or more than two compound adjectives are coming before the noun they are modifying.

Example:-

Correct: A three- to four-week delay can be expected in the order delivery.

Incorrect: A three-four-week delay can be expected in the order delivery.

• The hyphen punctuation is often needed while making actual compound verbs for humour, vivid writing, or special conditions.

Example:- King Lewis throne-sat for three decades.

• The writers writing original, new, or unfamiliar compound nouns must use hyphens to avoid confusion.

Example:- 

1. He quit smoking and became a non-smoker.

2. Non-smokers can be confused without the hyphen.

• The most neglected hyphen rule is that adverbs such as ‘very’ and having ly, in the end, do not have hyphen punctuation. The rule only exists for adverbs as explained in the the sentences below

Example:-

Incorrect: A very-elegant watch.

Correct: The family-owned cafe serves tasty food.

• The space should not be provided around hyphens using numbers, hyphenate estimates, or spans of distance, time, or other quantities.

Example:- 

4:20-4:50 p.m.

1985-2010

250-275 people

• Use a hyphen with physical quantities when abbreviation, unit, or symbol are written.

Examples:

Six-centimetre piece of cloth.

90-pound bag

100-meter race

Uses of Hyphen Punctuation

The Hyphens are used in English grammar to connect easy words. It is necessary to make a combination of the right words. Here, we will understand the usage of hyphens in grammar.

Hyphens in Compound Modifiers with Past Participles

Compound modifiers that have a past participle follow similar rules as other kinds of compound modifiers. The hyphen punctuation is used when the compound is put before a noun that it is modifying.

Examples:

• Solar-powered chargers are compatible with Smartphones.
• The government is promoting community-based education.
• A well-known local athlete will participate in the event.

Don’t use a hyphen when the compound comes after the explained noun. For Example, “The local athlete participating in the event is well known.”

Use of Hyphens with Low and High

The usage of low and high as a compound modifier always requires the use of a hyphen when the compound is coming before the noun it is modifying.

Examples:

• Petrol has a high-octane number.
• Peter belongs to a low-income group.
• He has opened a high-interest savings account in the HSB Bank.
• The low-flying aeroplane is going to land in five minutes.

Hyphens with Prefixes

Always use Hyphen containing prefixes such as ‘all-, self-, Ex-’

For example:-

• Sean and Tim are ex-partners sitting next to each other.
• The ex-minister will attend the annual function of the school.

Hyphens that include prefixes: ‘self-, Ex- all-’. Use a hyphen with the prefix ex- (representing somebody who was in a former position).

Hyphen with the reflexive prefix ‘self-’

• Lying on the grass beside the tree, the dog looked extremely self-satisfied.
• The famous poet’s self-absorption can be seen in the poem.

When using all as part of a compound, use a hyphen if the compound is adjectival and leave the compound open if it is adverbial.

For Example:

• It’s a bad commander who thinks of themselves as all-powerful.
• The president and the minister have gone all-in to support the economy.

Examples of Hyphen Punctuation

The hyphen is a kind of punctuation mark that is commonly used in sentences to divide specific words according to the grammar rules. Here, we will discuss the examples of hyphens punctuation for a clear understanding of them.

1. The rock-hard chapati is harder to eat.
2. They are looking for an eco-friendly alternative to polythene.
3. The new car has state-of-the-art features.
4. He is wearing a one-of-a-kind watch.
5. Thirty-five students were selected for the industrial visit.
6. The kind man supports low-income people.
7. Arjun took six months to make six-pack abs.
8. It is the 71st football game of the season.
9. One-third of the village population gave their votes in elections.
10. Tim is going to his mother-in-law’s house tomorrow.

Hyphen Punctuation Exercise

FAQs

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This was all about the correct usage of hyphens, examples and more in grammar. Hope you understand the concept and know how to proceed. You can also follow the Learn English page of Leverage Edu for more exciting and informative blogs.