What Are Hyphenated Adjectives?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Combinations of adjectives should be hyphenated . This is known as hyphenated adjective (or compound adjective) and while they may seem odd, are in fact proper punctuation. For example: easy-to-read content.

How do you use hyphenated adjectives?

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.

Are adjectives hyphenated words?

The adjective (which is a compound of two words: ‘high’ and ‘quality’) comes before the noun (‘movie’). Attributive compound adjectives are hyphenated . Never hyphenate compounds including an adverb (generally, a word ending in ‘ly’), whether attributive or predicative.

What are adjectives with hyphens called?

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 .

What is a hyphenated word examples?

  • two-fold.
  • check-in.
  • merry-go-round.
  • father-in-law.
  • seventy-two.
  • long-term.
  • up-to-date.
  • mother-in-law.

Why are some words hyphenated?

Hyphens are used in many compound words to show that the component words have a combined meaning (e.g. a pick-me-up, mother-in-law, good-hearted) or that there is a relationship between the words that make up the compound: for example, rock-forming minerals are minerals that form rocks.

What are hyphenated compound words?

When two words are used together to yield a new meaning, a compound is formed. Compound words can be written in three ways: as open compounds (spelled as two words, e.g., ice cream), closed compounds (joined to form a single word, e.g., doorknob), or hyphenated compounds (two words joined by a hyphen, e.g., long-term ).

Is commonly used hyphenated?

The hyphenation is not necessary if there is no risk of ambiguity. Hence we can write “commonly used word” because “commonly” (unlike adverbs which double as adjectives, such as “well”, “ill”) cannot stand alone before a noun.

Is Low Income hyphenated AP style?

Do use a hyphen if it’s needed to make the meaning clear and avoid unintended meanings: small-business owner, better-qualified candidate, little-known song, French-speaking people, free-thinking philosophy, loose-knit group, low-income workers, never-published guidance, self-driving car, bases-loaded triple, one-way ...

When you hyphenate your last name which goes first?

Generally, there are no set rules or etiquette when it comes to deciding exactly how your hyphenated last name will read. You can go the “traditional” route and list your “maiden” name first , or you could choose to list your new last name first, followed by your original last name.

Is in person hyphenated?

In-person: this hyphenated word is an adjective , a word that tells us “what kind of.” ... In-person: (adjective): an appearance carried out personally in someone else’s physical presence; “we’ll have in-person negotiations” or “I’d love an in-person consultation.”

Is new hire hyphenated?

1 Answer. As a general rule compound words are not hyphenated when one of them is being used as a noun but they are hyphenated if the compound word is an adjective . e.g. We’ve been working on a project to help welcome new (adj) joiners (noun).

Is self awareness hyphenated?

Self-aware, with a hyphen . I wouldn’t recommend checking Google when in doubt about a spelling. Check a dictionary. They’re much more reliable.

Is individually wrapped hyphenated?

Although it’s OK to use hyphens with adjectives, hyphens and adverbs don’t get along as well. You shouldn’t use hyphens with adverbs such as “happily” and “individually.” For example, you don’t put hyphens in phrases such as “happily married man” and “individually wrapped cheese.”

What is it called when you separate words?

In punctuation, a word divider is a glyph that separates written words. ...

How do you hyphenate two sentences?

Using the En Dash to Denote a Connection

The en dash may also be used to indicate a connection between two words. Use an en dash when you need to connect terms that are already hyphenated or when you are using a two-word phrase as a modifier. When the dash is used in this way, it creates a compound adjective.

Jasmine Sibley
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Jasmine Sibley
Jasmine is a DIY enthusiast with a passion for crafting and design. She has written several blog posts on crafting and has been featured in various DIY websites. Jasmine's expertise in sewing, knitting, and woodworking will help you create beautiful and unique projects.