How to Use Hyphens Correctly - Oxbridge Editing

Hyphens may be small, but they play a significant role in writing, helping to clarify meaning and ensure precision. However, knowing when and how to use them can be tricky. From linking compound words to avoiding ambiguity, hyphens serve a variety of purposes. In this article, we’ll explore the key uses of hyphens, common mistakes, and tips to make your writing clearer and more professional.

1. Hyphenating Compound Words

One of the most common uses of hyphens is in compound words—terms that combine two or more words to express a single idea. Not all compound words require hyphens, but when used appropriately, they can prevent confusion and improve readability.

a) Compound Adjectives

When two or more words work together to describe a noun, a hyphen often joins them to avoid ambiguity. For example:

• A well-written essay
• A ten-year-old child
• A high-speed train

Without the hyphen, phrases like “ten year old child” or “well written essay” could lead to confusion, as readers may misinterpret the relationship between the words.

b) Compound Nouns

Some compound nouns also use hyphens, especially if the word combination is relatively new or still evolving in common usage. Examples include:

• Mother-in-law
• Editor-in-chief
• Sister-in-law

Over time, many compound nouns lose their hyphens as they become more familiar (e.g., “email” was once written as “e-mail”), but others retain the hyphen for clarity.

2. Avoiding Ambiguity

Hyphens are often used to prevent misreading or confusion in sentences where multiple interpretations are possible. Consider the following example:

• A man-eating shark
• A man eating shark

In the first sentence, the hyphen clarifies that the shark is a dangerous, man-eating creature. In the second sentence, without the hyphen, it suggests a man is consuming a shark, which has an entirely different meaning.

c) Number Ranges

Hyphens are commonly used with number ranges in written text, often to connect measurements or periods:

• 10-15 years
• 40-60 kilometres
• 3-4 hours

In such cases, the hyphen replaces the word “to” and makes the range concise.

3. Hyphens with Prefixes and Suffixes

The use of hyphens with prefixes and suffixes in English is not always straightforward. While many prefixes (e.g., “pre,” “post,” “anti”) are often written without a hyphen, there are specific instances where a hyphen is necessary for clarity.

a) When the Prefix Ends and the Root Word Begins with the Same Vowel

In cases where the prefix and the root word share the same vowel, a hyphen is used to avoid awkward or unclear spelling. For example:

• Pre-existing
• Co-operate
• Re-enter

Without the hyphen, words like “reenter” or “cooperate” may be misread.

b) With Proper Nouns

When a prefix is added to a proper noun, a hyphen is essential:

• Anti-American
• Pro-European
• Post-Victorian

This rule helps maintain clarity when combining prefixes with names or recognised titles.

c) To Avoid Confusion with Other Words

Hyphens are also used to differentiate between words that would otherwise be spelled the same but have different meanings:

• Re-cover (to cover something again) vs. recover (to regain health)
• Re-sent (sent again) vs. resent (to feel bitterness)

4. Hyphenating Compound Numbers and Fractions

Hyphens are essential when writing out compound numbers between 21 and 99. For example:

• Twenty-one
• Ninety-nine
• Thirty-three

Additionally, hyphens are used in written fractions when they serve as adjectives:

• A two-thirds majority
• A one-half portion

However, fractions used as nouns don’t need a hyphen:

• Three quarters of the cake is gone.
• I ate one half of the pizza.

5. Hyphens in Adverbs Ending in -ly

A common mistake many people make is to hyphenate adverbs ending in -ly when they are part of a compound modifier. In English, adverbs ending in -ly should not be hyphenated before adjectives. For example:

• A poorly written article (correct)
• A heavily criticised proposal (correct)
• A quickly-rising star (incorrect)

The -ly ending already indicates the relationship between the adverb and the adjective, so a hyphen isn’t necessary.

Common Misuses of Hyphens

While hyphens can clarify meaning, they are often misused in everyday writing. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Over-hyphenation: Adding a hyphen unnecessarily, especially to words that are already widely recognised as closed compounds (e.g., “email,” “online”).
• Hyphenating in place of dashes: Hyphens are often confused with dashes (– or —). Hyphens connect words, whereas dashes set off information in sentences. For example:
  • Correct: “The meeting—which lasted for hours—was exhausting.”
  • Incorrect: “The meeting-which lasted for hours-was exhausting.”
• Hyphenating prefixes unnecessarily: Some prefixes, like “un” or “re,” don’t always need a hyphen (e.g., “unhappy,” “redo”). If in doubt, check a reliable English dictionary for the standard usage.

Do Not Confuse Hyphens with Dashes!

It’s essential to note that hyphens should not be confused with dashes, as they serve different purposes in punctuation. Hyphens are shorter and are used to connect words or parts of words, as illustrated in the examples above. On the other hand, dashes, specifically en dashes (–) and em dashes (—), are longer and serve different functions, such as indicating ranges or emphasising information. Understanding the distinctions between hyphens and dashes is crucial for maintaining precision in your writing and ensuring that each punctuation mark fulfils its unique role.

Using Hyphens Correctly: Precision Matters

Hyphens may seem like minor punctuation marks, but their correct usage is vital for clarity, precision, and professionalism in writing. Whether you’re hyphenating compound words, avoiding ambiguity, or dealing with prefixes and suffixes, understanding how to use hyphens can elevate your writing.

Remember that hyphenation rules can change over time, especially as language evolves. If you’re unsure whether a word needs a hyphen, consulting a reputable style guide or dictionary is always a wise move.

Don’t let a misplaced hyphen compromise the impact of your message. Reach out to us today for professional proofreading and editing services that go beyond just fixing errors; we strive to enhance the overall quality of your written communication whether you need to improve your academic assignments or commercial documents.