How do you hyphenate compound modifiers?

In a temporary compound that is used as an adjective before a noun, use a hyphen if the term can be misread or if the term expresses a single thought (i.e., all words together modify the noun).

What is an example of a hyphenated modifier?

It’s recommended you not take down any load-bearing walls when renovating. Look at the following examples of sentences featuring compound modifiers connected by hyphens: This rock-hard cake is absolutely impossible to eat. The quick-witted boy had everyone on the bus laughing.

What sentence correctly uses a hyphen?

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.

How do you use a hyphenated modifier?

Use a hyphen between prefixes and proper nouns (but not common nouns) or dates whether they’re used as nouns or modifiers. Use two hyphens when adding a prefix to a word that already contains a prefix, even when there is no hyphen after the prefix in the original word.

Why are some compound 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.

How do you hyphenate two sentences?

Hyphens connect two words to make a single word. Hyphens are also used to attach a prefix to a word. In some situations, hyphens connect adverbs and adjectives to describe a noun. This can be avoided by rewording the sentence.

What is a hyphenated compound adjective?

Most compound adjectives are two-word adjectives, but they can be longer. Usually, a hyphen (or hyphens) is used to link the words together to show that it is one adjective. … (“Four-foot” is an adjective describing “table.” A hyphen is used to link “four” and “foot” to show they are part of the same adjective.)

Do you capitalize word after hyphen?

For hyphenated compounds, it recommends: Always capitalize the first element. … If the first element is merely a prefix or combining form that could not stand by itself as a word (anti, pre, etc.), do not capitalize the second element unless it is a proper noun or proper adjective.

Is Top 5 hyphenated?

Hyphenate when top five is used as a compound modifier. Otherwise, no hyphen. Example: The University of Florida is a top-five public university.

Do you put a hyphen between numbers and words?

You should always hyphenate numbers when you are describing compound numbers between 21 and 99 (except 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 and 90). A compound number is any number that consists of two words; for example, eighty-eight, twenty-two, forty-nine. Numbers higher than 99 do not need a hyphen.

Do you capitalize after three dots?

The ellipsis does not affect capitalization. If the first word after the ellipsis begins a new sentence or needs to be capitalized for any other reason, it is capitalized.

Do you use caps after a colon?

When a colon introduces a list of things, do not capitalize the first word after the colon unless it is a proper noun. When a colon introduces a phrase or an incomplete sentence that is meant to add information to the sentence before it, do not capitalize the first word after the colon unless it is a proper noun.

What is a hyphen in a name?

What Is a Hyphenated Last Name? A hyphenated last name is when you and your spouse combine both of your last names with a hyphen. This is also called a double surname. In many states, when you fill out your application for your marriage license, you’ll be writing your intended married name on that application.

Where do you put semicolons?

Use a semicolon to join two related independent clauses in place of a comma and a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet). Make sure when you use the semicolon that the connection between the two independent clauses is clear without the coordinating conjunction.

Do you capitalize the next letter after a semicolon?

Do you use a capital letter after a semicolon? The general answer is no. A semicolon should be followed by a capital letter only if the word is a proper noun or an acronym. … Remember, semicolons are not interchangeable with commas or periods.

How do you cite a half sentence in APA?

When a portion of a sentence (or sentences) is not included in a quotation, three ellipsis points should be typed in place of the omitted material.

What do em dashes do?

The em dash can function like a comma, a colon, or parenthesis. Like commas and parentheses, em dashes set off extra information, such as examples, explanatory or descriptive phrases, or supplemental facts. Like a colon, an em dash introduces a clause that explains or expands upon something that precedes it.

What is comma splice?

A comma splice occurs when you use a comma to join two complete sentences without placing an appropriate joining word between them. The comma just isn’t strong enough to do the job of making one grammatical sentence out of two. Learn to recognize what comma splices look like, and be sure to avoid them in your essays.

Did I use a semicolon correctly?

Rules for Using Semicolons

A semicolon is most commonly used to link (in a single sentence) two independent clauses that are closely related in thought. … Use a semicolon between two independent clauses that are connected by conjunctive adverbs or transitional phrases.