In English they are used to combine two words in order to form a new one ("a 3-hour long journey, good-looking, ice-cream). Some words are spelled with or without a hyphen, as different schools of grammar have conflicting views on the matter (such as "no one" and "no-one", "ice-cream", "icecream" and "ice cream").
Hyphens not needed
Hyphens and apostrophes serve important grammatical functions and are not unnecessary. Hyphens are used to connect words and clarify meaning, such as in compound adjectives (e.g., "well-known author"). Apostrophes indicate possession (e.g., "the dog's leash") and contractions (e.g., "don't"). While some may find them cumbersome, they enhance clarity and precision in writing.
Yes, you use hyphens for the phrase "top-of-the-line." It is a compound adjective that contains a preposition, so it is hyphenated.
Most people would spell it sixteen-year-old child. But over the last 20 years, people are ignoring the hyphens.
No. Use hyphens when creating a compound adjective, for example a two-foot width or a four-foot depth.
Three words that commonly have hyphens are "mother-in-law," "well-being," and "twenty-one." Hyphens are often used to connect words in compound nouns, adjectives, or numbers for clarity.
Hyphens are used to link words together to form compound words, such as "well-being" or "mother-in-law." They can also be used to separate syllables in words that are broken at the end of a line in writing. Additionally, hyphens are used in some prefixes, suffixes, and to avoid ambiguity or confusion in writing.
The phrase "all female" does not require hyphens when used as a descriptive phrase. It is typically used to refer to a group composed entirely of females. However, if you were to use it as a compound adjective before a noun—like "all-female team"—then hyphens would be necessary.
No, "out of control" does not use hyphens. It is a phrase that stands alone without the need for hyphenation. Hyphens are typically used to connect words that function together as a single idea when they appear before a noun, such as "out-of-control behavior."
No, apostrophes and hyphens serve specific functions in writing. Apostrophes are used to indicate possession or contraction, while hyphens are used to join words or to clarify the meaning of a word or phrase. Both punctuation marks are important for clarity and proper grammar.
There is no need to hyphenate this expression.
Hyphens not needed
The correct placement of hyphens in "microorganism" typically does not require any hyphens, as it is a single, compound word. However, if you're using it in a compound adjective form, such as "micro-organism-related studies," the hyphen would be used to clarify the relationship. In general usage, though, "microorganism" is written as one word without hyphens.
There are no hyphens in the word ago.
A single dash that is used to connect words to create a compound word.
Yes, hyphens are used in word fractions when they are written out in text. For example, you would write "one-third" or "two-fifths" with a hyphen. However, when using fractions in numerical form, like 1/3 or 2/5, hyphens are not necessary.
The terms pre-register and pre-registration are still used with hyphens, mainly for clarity. But most dictionaries now list the words without hyphens, as preregister and preregistration.