Angela Elson
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Hyphens and Dashes

9/29/2017

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  • What is a hyphen?
    • Hyphens are used to divide or to compound words, word elements, or numbers
  • When do I use a hyphen to combine two words?
    • Use a hyphen to combine two words when modifying a noun
      • This three-inch heel = GOOD
      • This heel is three-inches = BAD
      • Infuse your wardrobe with urban-chic… = BAD
      • This urban-chic offering…  = GOOD
      • EXCEPTION: adverbs ending in ly NEVER get a hyphen
        • Beautifully-crafted leather = BAD
  • Do I use a hyphen before a prefix?
    • Generally not, although the rule varies from word to word. When in doubt, visit m-w.com and look up the prefix (pre-, under-, etc.). Often you can find the correct usage of the word you are looking for in the word list under the prefix entry
  • What’s the difference between a hyphen and a dash?
    • There are three types of dashes:
      • Hyphen (or i-dash): looks like - and is used to compound words as above
      • En-dash: is the width of the letter "n" (–) and is used when omitting entries between two items, such as dates or amounts
        • For example: 1997–1998
      • Em-dash (or double hyphen): is the width of the letter "m" (—) and is used to interject information in a sentence
        • For example: A lot of people—doofuses, mostly—don’t know the differences between dashes.
  • Do I use spaces on either side of a dash?
    • Heavens, no!​
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