Grammar Word hyphenation Module 3Proofreading Prepared by Anna

Grammar: Word hyphenation Module 3–Proofreading Prepared by Anna Vinogradova

Using hyphens (-) The hyphen is most commonly used to: 1. join words together 2. combine word-compounds 3. express fractions and compound numbers 4. show end-of-line breaks 5. express dates, SIN, and telephone numbers Remember: There is no space before or after a hyphen.

1. To join words together Use hyphens for all words and compound words that are hyphenated in the dictionary. • air-conditioned office • open-minded • sight-seeing • an up-to-date list • first-class

2. To combine word-compounds Use hyphens for: A) Most compound adjectives–two or more words joined together to modify a noun. • a low-intensity lamp • five-year contract • two-year-old child • well-known speaker • a 10 -mile drive • a 30 -story building Note: Use hyphen to tell age or period of time only if the period of time is singular.

2. To combine word-compounds (continued) B) Compound nouns with the prefixes ex-, self-, half-, post-, pro-, vice-, and all • Jerry Carter, the ex-president, won the Nobel Peace Price. • Because he was always thinking of new ways to get the job done, he became known as a self-starter.

3. To express fractions and compound numbers Use hyphens for fractions that stand by themselves. • The gas tank is three-fourths full. Use hyphens to express compound numbers from twenty-one to ninety-nine in words. • She worked at the college for twenty-five years before retiring. • We are eagerly awaiting the twenty-first century.

4. To show end-of-line breaks Use a hyphen to separate a word between syllables at the end of a line. Never use a hyphen to separate a one-syllable word, or divide a word so that a single letter stands alone. Consult a dictionary to make sure the breaks are correct. Example: According to our new company policy, Please discard all junk mail that is delivered to our office. Place it in the appropriate recycling bins. Note: Avoid dividing words.

5. To express dates, SIN, and telephone numbers Date: 5 -10/85 SIN: 999 -999 Telephone number: 514 -855 -1869

Reference: Pitman’s Office Handbook: pages 541– 542