Hyphens
The headlines in the newspapers have inspired this edition – specifically
when we should or should not put hyphens in phrases.
Here's the general rule: If a phrase creates a single thought and it
comes directly in front of a noun, it usually should be hyphenated. In this
case, it is functioning as a compound adjective, modifying the noun. If the
phrase is used elsewhere in a sentence, the hyphens generally drop away because
the phrase reverts back to its normal function.
For Example:
|
Back-to-school
specials |
The kids are going back to school. |
|
Up-to-date
information |
The information is up to date. |
|
State-of-the-art
technology |
Our technology is state of the art.
|
|
Long-term
relationships
|
We're in it for the long term.
|
| A
follow-up
letter
|
Let's follow up with her tomorrow.
|
| A
six-year-old
child
|
The child is six years old.
|
| A
7-foot-2-inch
player
|
That player is 7 feet 2 inches tall!
|
| A
well-known
person
|
She is very well known.
|
As with anything in grammar (and elsewhere), there are exceptions.
Some
commonly understood phrases do not require the hyphens; they include high school
principal, real estate office, accounts payable records, and life insurance
policies.
One other major exception is that we do not hyphenate phrases beginning with
adverbs ending in ly.
For example:
Commonly used words
Poorly constructed house
Clearly defined set of terms
Wholly owned subsidiary
Of course, it’s also important to distinguish adverbs ending in ly
from adjectives with the same ending.
For example:
Friendly-sounding voice
Motherly-looking woman
Heavenly-feeling massage
How can you tell the difference? Try putting just the word ending in ly
in front of the noun; if it fits, it’s an adjective (they modify nouns).
If it
doesn’t, it’s an adverb (they modify many things, but not nouns)
For example:
A wholly subsidiary? No. Wholly, therefore, is an
adverb.
Commonly words? Nope. Adverb.
Friendly voice? Yes. Friendly, therefore, is an
adjective.
Motherly woman? Yes. Adjective.
