0
While it's true that some compound words have hyphens, all compound words do not. For example, the words horsefly, chestnut, and birdhouse are compound words, yet they don't have hyphens. On the other hand, a few words have hyphens, but are still compound words.
A common rule in determining whether a compound word should be one word or two is how the word is used in context. Phrases that have a verb/noun or verb/adjective combination should be two words if the combined term is a verb and one word if the compound word is a noun or description. For instance, "my car will never break down" uses "break" as a verb, whereas "Michael had a breakdown" uses "break" as part of a noun. This is useful in determining the difference between one and two word compound phrases, but does not really help us with whether to hyphenate compound words or not.
One usually consistently hyphenated form of compound words are those with a connecting middle word. Terms such as merry-go-round or mother-in-law are almost always written with a hyphen. One exception is commander in chief, which is frequently seen without the hyphen, especially when referring to the President of the United States as an alternate title.
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
Why do you use hyphens?
You use hyphens to make compound words that are not recognizable in common usage.
Why do compound words have hyphens?
Hyphens are often used in compound words to clarify the relationship between the words they connect and make them easier to read and understand. They can also help with pronunciation and avoid ambiguity in the meaning of the compound word.
What are hyphens?
A single dash that is used to connect words to create a compound word.
How do you use a hyphen?
You use hyphens to make compound words that are not recognizable in common usage.
Why does some compound words have hyphens and spaces?
check ur grammar you imbeccileYOU SUCK
Do you hyphen above noted?
You do not need to hyphen above noted. Hyphens are typically reserved for compound words and phrases such as long-lasting.
Is windowpane a compound word?
It normally requires a hyphen: window-pane, but many hyphenated words are having their hyphens dropped, so in another 20 years it might be a genuine compound word.
Do you use hyphens for the phrase top of the line?
Yes, you use hyphens for the phrase "top-of-the-line." It is a compound adjective that contains a preposition, so it is hyphenated.
What are examples of closed compound nouns?
Examples of closed compound nouns include bedroom, haircut, toothbrush, and rainfall. These are formed by combining two separate words into a single word without any spaces or hyphens.
Is flower vase a compound word?
A compound word is two or more words put together into one word. Sometimes they are separated by hyphens. Ex: Normal Compound- toothpick. Hyphenated Compound: Up-to-date; brother-in-law. Flower Vase is two words. You wouldn't write flowervase. You would write flower vase.
Why do words have hyphens?
It helps to link words and add extra information.
A compound adjective?
A compound adjective is a single adjective made up of more than one word (e.g., ten-seater bus , free-range eggs). The words in a compound adjective are often linked together with a hyphen (or hyphens) to show they are part of the same adjective.
