Dashes Hyphens and Slashes

"Scientifically-based" should be hyphenated when used as a compound adjective before a noun. For example, in the phrase "scientifically-based research," the hyphen clarifies that the two words together modify "research." However, when used after the noun, such as "the research is scientifically based," the hyphen is not needed.

Yes, "action-packed" is hyphenated when used as a compound adjective before a noun, such as in "action-packed movie." The hyphen helps clarify that the two words work together to describe a single concept. When used as a predicate adjective, it can be written without the hyphen, as in "The movie was action packed."

Yes, a single last name can be hyphenated, typically to create a compound surname or to include both parts of a name that may have family significance. For example, a person with the last name "Smith-Jones" is using a hyphen to combine two surnames. This practice can vary by culture and personal preference, so it's important to respect individual choices regarding name formatting.

The term "pre-tax" is typically hyphenated when used as an adjective to describe something that occurs before taxes are applied, such as "pre-tax income." However, it can be written as "pretax" in some contexts, especially in American English. It's important to consider your audience and the style guide you are following. When in doubt, hyphenating is generally a safer choice for clarity.

No, "self-evident" is typically hyphenated when used as an adjective to describe something that is obvious or requires no explanation. The hyphen helps clarify that "self" modifies "evident." However, when used as a noun or in other contexts, it may not require a hyphen.

The term "blue jay" does not require a hyphen when used as a noun to refer to the bird species. However, if used as a compound adjective before a noun, it may be hyphenated, such as in "blue-jay feathers." In general contexts, "blue jay" is written as two separate words without a hyphen.

The hyphen sign looks like a short horizontal line, similar to this: "-". It is typically used to connect words or parts of words, such as in compound adjectives (e.g., well-known) or to indicate a break in a word at the end of a line. In contrast to a dash, the hyphen is shorter and does not have spaces before or after it.

"Day to day" should not be hyphenated when used as an adverbial phrase, such as in "She manages her tasks day to day." However, when used as an adjective before a noun, it is often hyphenated as in "day-to-day operations." The hyphenation clarifies that the words work together as a single descriptor.

The term "call to action" typically does not require hyphens when used in a sentence. It is a phrase that describes a prompt for the audience to take a specific action, such as "Click here for more information." However, when used as a compound adjective before a noun, it can be hyphenated, as in "a call-to-action button." Always consider the context to determine the appropriate usage.

No, "family owned" is not hyphenated when used as a predicate adjective, as in "The business is family owned." However, when used as a compound adjective before a noun, it is typically hyphenated, as in "They run a family-owned business."

Sure! Here’s an example: "The well-known author—who has written several bestsellers—will be speaking at the local bookstore on March 5th, 2024." In this sentence, the dashes set off additional information about the author, while the hyphen in "well-known" connects the two words to form a compound adjective.

The term "kick-in" is typically hyphenated when used as a noun or an adjective, such as in "the kick-in amount" or "a kick-in incentive." However, when used as a verb, it is usually written without a hyphen, as in "to kick in." Always consider the context to determine the appropriate usage.

The term "call-outs" should be hyphenated when used as a noun to refer to specific instances of calling attention to something, such as in reports or presentations. However, when used as a verb, it typically appears as two separate words, e.g., "to call out." Hyphenation helps clarify meaning and improve readability in certain contexts.

The term "eyewitness" is not hyphenated; it is written as a single word. It refers to a person who has seen an event, typically a crime or accident, and can provide a first-hand account of it. In contrast, "eye witness" as two separate words is considered outdated and less commonly used in contemporary English.

The term "timesaving" is typically written without a hyphen. It is considered a compound adjective used to describe something that saves time. However, in some contexts, especially when used as a noun, it might appear as "time-saving." Always check the specific style guide you are following, as preferences may vary.

No, "good humor" is not hyphenated because it consists of two separate words that function independently. Hyphenation typically occurs when two words are combined to form a single adjective before a noun, such as in "well-known author." In this case, "good" and "humor" are not being used as a compound modifier.

Hip hop originated in the Bronx, New York City, during the 1970s. It emerged as a cultural movement that combined music, dance, visual art, and fashion, primarily among African American and Latino communities. Key elements include rapping (MCing), DJing, breakdancing, and graffiti art. The genre has since evolved into a global phenomenon, influencing various aspects of culture and society.

Hyphens are used to connect words or parts of words, particularly in compound adjectives (e.g., "well-known author") and to join prefixes to proper nouns (e.g., "un-American"). They also help clarify meaning by linking words in phrases (e.g., "two-thirds"). Additionally, hyphens are used in compound numbers from twenty-one to ninety-nine and in fractions (e.g., "one-third"). Always check for specific style guidelines, as usage can vary.

Typing text followed by more text and spaces that change to hyphens typically indicates a formatting feature, often seen in word processors or text editors. This functionality is usually employed to create a visual separator or to emphasize a break between sections. In some contexts, it can also signify that the text is intended to be a list or a continuation of thought, where the hyphens serve as bullet points or indicators of items.

Two key rules of hyphen usage include using hyphens to connect compound adjectives when they precede a noun (e.g., "well-known author") and using them to link numbers and words in compound numbers (e.g., "twenty-one"). Additionally, hyphens are used to avoid ambiguity in phrases, such as in "re-cover" (to cover again) versus "recover" (to regain).

A hyphen over a letter, often referred to as a "macron," indicates that the vowel should be pronounced with a long sound. This diacritical mark is commonly used in various languages, including Latin, Māori, and Hawaiian, to distinguish between short and long vowel sounds. In phonetic terms, it helps clarify pronunciation and can change the meaning of words.

The term "aboveground" is typically written as a single word when used as an adjective (e.g., "an aboveground pool"). However, when used as a noun, it can be written as two separate words (e.g., "The above ground was cleared"). Therefore, whether to hyphenate or not depends on the context in which it's used.

No, "vice chancellor" does not have a hyphen. It is typically written as two separate words. However, in some contexts or specific style guides, it may be hyphenated as "vice-chancellor." It's best to follow the conventions of the particular institution or publication you are referring to.

"Buildup" is typically written as a single word when referring to the accumulation of something, such as in "the buildup of pressure." However, it can be hyphenated as "build-up" in certain contexts, particularly when used as a noun in more formal writing. In general usage, the unhyphenated form is more common.

In the nineteenth century, wigs were a popular fashion accessory, particularly among the upper classes in Europe and America. They were often made from human hair, animal hair, or synthetic materials, and styles varied greatly depending on the era and social trends. During the early part of the century, elaborate styles reminiscent of the 18th century remained in vogue, but by the mid to late 1800s, more natural and simpler hairstyles gained popularity. Wigs were also used for theatrical performances and by those needing to cover hair loss due to illness or age.