Dashes Hyphens and Slashes

Yes, "spiritually based" should be hyphenated when used as a compound adjective preceding a noun. For example, in the phrase "spiritually based practices," the hyphen clarifies that "spiritually" modifies "based," creating a clear and precise description. When the phrase follows the noun, the hyphen is typically not necessary, as in "These practices are spiritually based."

Yes, "year-round" should be hyphenated when used as an adjective to describe something that occurs throughout the entire year. For example, you would say "year-round activities" or "year-round service." However, when used as an adverb, it can be written as two separate words, such as "available year round."

"Low risk" requires a hyphen when it functions as a compound adjective before a noun, such as in "low-risk investment." The hyphen helps clarify that "low" modifies "risk" as a single concept rather than suggesting that "risk" is low. However, when used after the noun, as in "the investment is low risk," no hyphen is needed.

A forward slash (/) is commonly used in various contexts, including writing and computing. In text, it often indicates alternatives (e.g., "and/or") or separates items (e.g., dates like "12/31/2023"). In computing, it serves as a directory separator in URLs and file paths, as well as in programming languages for comments or division operations. Additionally, it's used in fractions to denote division, such as "1/2."

Yes, "handheld" typically does not require a hyphen when used as an adjective to describe devices like "handheld device" or "handheld console." However, "hand-held" with a hyphen is also acceptable in some contexts, particularly when used as a verb or for emphasis. Ultimately, consistency is key, so it's best to choose one form and use it throughout your writing.

Yes, "sweet-smelling" should be hyphenated when used as a compound adjective before a noun, such as in "a sweet-smelling flower." The hyphen helps clarify that the two words work together to describe the noun. However, if it appears after the noun, as in "the flower is sweet smelling," the hyphen is not necessary.

Yes, "cross-training" is typically hyphenated when used as a compound adjective to describe a type of training that incorporates various fitness disciplines. However, when used as a noun, it is often written as one word without a hyphen (e.g., "I enjoy cross training"). The hyphen helps clarify the relationship between the words in specific contexts.

The proper term for a forward slash is simply "slash." It is also referred to as a "solidus" in certain contexts, particularly in typography and mathematics. The forward slash is commonly used in web addresses, file paths, and to indicate division in mathematical expressions.

Yes, "short term" should be hyphenated when used as a compound adjective before a noun, as in "short-term goals." However, when it follows the noun, it should be written as two separate words, such as "goals for the short term."

Yes, "in-depth" is hyphenated when used as an adjective to describe something that is thorough and comprehensive, such as an "in-depth analysis." When used as an adverb or in other contexts, it may not be hyphenated, for example, "the research went in depth." Always consider the grammatical context to determine the correct usage.

In the 400 meter dash, athletes start in designated lanes, with each runner remaining in their lane for the entire race. The race begins with a starting gun, and competitors must complete one full lap around the track. Runners are disqualified if they false start or step out of their lane. The winner is determined by the first athlete to cross the finish line.

No, there is no hyphen in "semimonthly." The correct spelling is a single word, used to describe events occurring twice a month.

The term "part-time" is hyphenated when it is used as an adjective before a noun, such as in "part-time job" or "part-time student." However, when used as a noun or adverb, it is typically written as two separate words, as in "She works part time." Always ensure proper usage based on the context in which the term appears.

Yes, "west-southwest" should be hyphenated when used as a compound adjective to describe direction, such as in "the west-southwest wind." The hyphenation helps clarify that the two words are working together to modify a noun. When used as a standalone term, it does not require hyphenation.

A well-organized database enhances data integrity, ensuring accurate and consistent information storage. It improves efficiency in data retrieval and management, allowing users to quickly access the information they need. Additionally, a structured database minimizes redundancy and potential errors, making maintenance easier and supporting better decision-making processes. Overall, organization in a database contributes to improved performance and reliability in data-driven applications.

No, "note taking" does not have a hyphen between the words. It is typically written as two separate words. However, it can also appear as a compound adjective when used before a noun, such as in "note-taking skills," where it is hyphenated.

The term "nonexempt" is generally not hyphenated in standard usage. It is considered a single, compound adjective that describes employees who are entitled to overtime pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). However, style guides may vary, so it's always a good idea to check specific guidelines if you're writing for a particular publication or organization.

No, there is no hyphen in "twenty-first century." When used as an adjective, it is written as "twenty-first," but when referring to the era as a noun, it is simply "twenty-first century" without a hyphen between "twenty" and "first."

Use a hyphen to connect two or more words that function together as a single adjective before a noun, such as "well-known author" or "high-speed train." Additionally, hyphens are used in compound numbers (twenty-one, thirty-five) and to avoid confusion in phrases, like "re-sign" versus "resign." They are also helpful in breaking words at the end of a line. Always check for specific style guides, as hyphenation rules can vary.

No, "mid afternoon" is typically written without a hyphen. It is used as a compound adjective when describing a specific time, such as "mid-afternoon meeting." However, when it stands alone, it remains unhyphenated.

No, "time of day" is not hyphenated. It is a phrase made up of separate words that describe a specific moment within a 24-hour period. Hyphenation is typically used for compound adjectives or when words are combined to create a single concept, which is not the case here.

Yes, "long sought" is typically not hyphenated when used as a phrase, as it functions as a descriptive phrase rather than a compound adjective preceding a noun. For example, you would say "the long sought answer." However, if you were to use it as a compound adjective directly before a noun, you could hyphenate it as "long-sought."

No, "customer focus" does not have a hyphen. It is typically written as two separate words since "customer" acts as a noun modifier for "focus." Hyphens are generally used to connect words that function together as a single concept, but in this case, the phrase is clear without one.

Yes, hyphens are used to join words together to create compound terms, such as "well-known" or "mother-in-law." They can also connect prefixes to words, like "pre-existing." Additionally, hyphens help clarify meaning and improve readability in complex phrases.

No, "midday" is not hyphenated. It is a compound word that combines "mid" and "day" to refer to the middle of the day. In general, compound words like "midday" are often written without a hyphen once they become widely accepted.