English Grammar - Hyphens Flashcards
What is a hyphen?
A hyphen is a short dash used to connect words or parts of words, often to form compound words or clarify meaning.
What is a compound adjective?
A compound adjective is two or more words joined by a hyphen to describe a noun, like ‘well-known author.’
When do you hyphenate compound adjectives?
A compound adjective is hyphenated when it comes before the noun it modifies, as in ‘high-quality product.’
When do you not hyphenate compound adjectives?
A compound adjective is not hyphenated when it follows the noun, as in ‘the product is high quality.’
What is a compound noun?
A compound noun is a single noun formed by two or more words, sometimes hyphenated, like ‘mother-in-law.’
When do you hyphenate numbers?
Numbers are hyphenated when written as compound words from twenty-one to ninety-nine.
What is a prefix with a hyphen used for?
A prefix with a hyphen is used to avoid confusion or misreading, like ‘re-enter’ or ‘anti-inflammatory.’
When do you hyphenate with ‘self’?
Words with the prefix ‘self’ are hyphenated, such as ‘self-esteem’ or ‘self-reliant.’
What is a hyphen used for with fractions?
A hyphen is used to connect the numerator and denominator in written fractions, like ‘one-third’ or ‘two-fifths.’
When do you hyphenate to avoid ambiguity?
A hyphen is used to clarify meaning when unhyphenated words could be misread, like ‘re-sign’ versus ‘resign.’
What is a hyphenated modifier with numbers?
A hyphenated modifier with numbers connects a number and unit to describe a noun, like ‘10-year-old tree.’
When do you not hyphenate adverbs ending in ‘ly’?
Adverbs ending in ‘ly’ are not hyphenated in compound modifiers, as in ‘highly skilled worker.’
When is a suspended hyphen used?
A suspended hyphen is used when multiple compound words share a common ending, like ‘short- and long-term goals.’
When do you hyphenate compound verbs?
Compound verbs are hyphenated when they form a single action, like ‘double-check’ or ‘copy-edit.’
What is a hyphen used for in word division?
A hyphen is used to divide a word at the end of a line when it cannot fit, following syllable breaks.
